How The Met is redefining the very meaning of American art
In short: As The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s American Wing celebrates its centennial, a massive reinstallation is underway. Beyond just moving furniture, curators are using new interpretive frameworks to explore how the definition of American art is constantly evolving, shifting from traditional boundaries to a much broader, more nuanced understanding of identity and place.
The American Wing is currently undergoing a significant transformation to mark its 100th anniversary. Since its founding in 1924, the wing has moved far beyond its original scope. The curatorial department has expanded its collecting strategy to encompass a much wider array of work, spanning from the mid-17th century to the mid-20th century. This expansion includes select contemporary expressions and works from makers across North America, reflecting a more inclusive approach to the continent's artistic heritage.
A key part of this evolution is the reinstallation of the balcony galleries. These spaces now house the museum's outstanding collections of ceramics, glass, silver, and pewter. These items are arranged in an integrated chronological sequence that begins with the colonial period on the east side and moves toward the twentieth century on the west, offering views overlooking Central Park. This layout allows visitors to trace the development of decorative arts through time.
This centennial project is not merely a retrospective of the past century; it is a deliberate attempt to engage with modern sociopolitical issues. By using new interpretive frameworks, the museum is exploring the 'origin stories' of American design and culture. This includes highlighting works produced outside the traditional boundaries of the United States and using contemporary interventions to examine the aesthetic and sociopolitical complexities of the Atlantic world. By implementing these new structures, the museum seeks to reflect the shifting and complex perceptions of American identity in contemporary times.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Shuffling the Decks: The New American Wing Balcony Displays
- Also: The Met’s American Wing Celebrates 100 Years - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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