MARILYN MINTER. Satiated, 2003. C Print. From the collection of Wanda Kownacki.
New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU) presents A Call to Collect, an exhibition that celebrates the pursuit of collecting art, featuring prized works from three highly regarded Los Gatos collectors. These locally connected women with globally relevant art collections have unique stories to share. From the early days of their collecting pursuits to current acquisitions, visitors to the exhibition will learn about the individual motives behind collecting art.
The exhibition includes selections from three distinctive collections: one with a focus on women artists; another collection that celebrates Japanese art and culture, and a collection that grew from the vibrant mid-century New York art scene. Featured paintings, drawings, sculpture and objects, include works by: Milton Avery, Ilya Bolotowski, Willem de Kooning, Hashimoto Gyoin, Henri Matisse, Marilyn Minter, Laurel Nakadate, Mayumi Oda, Danika Phelps and Adrianne Smits. Interactive elements that introduce visitors to noted female collectors from history, including Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, Peggy Guggenheim and Isabella Stewart Gardner, will also be presented in the exhibition gallery.
“We are excited to work with these generous local collectors and honored to share selections from their private collections.” Says art curator, Marianne McGrath.“This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to view and study works by internationally renowned artists.”
NUMU will feature programs related to the exhibition, including a series of collectors workshops on March 2, March 30 and April 27th, which will be co-hosted with the Whitney Modern gallery in Los Gatos. These workshops are intended to de-mystify the practice of collecting and caring for a collection. Additional programs will include an art appraisal event and a hands-on program for children where participants can take part in learning activities with the collection incorporating writing, photography and crafting.
A Call to Collect is generously supported by the Whitney Education Foundation and the Whitney Modern gallery in Los Gatos, as well as Kimberly and Larry Walker. NUMU also gratefully acknowledges support from its many donors and members.
Curated by Marianne K. McGrath
Images (left to right): Mayumi Oda, Earth Ship, 1976. Edition 12/100. Original silkscreen print on paper, 38.5 X 26”, Collection of Kumiko Iwasawa; Marilyn Minter, Satiated, 2003. C-print, 51 x 38 inches, Collection of Wanda Kownacki; Adrianne Smits, Mad River Early Spring II, 2011. Watercolor and gauche on paper. 15 X 22”, Collection of Jan Schwartz
Below you will find a video produced by one of the A Call to Collect lenders, Kumiko Iwasawa. It provides a beautiful preview of the exhibition, with Kumiko's own insights to her pieces.
