This resource page will contain information to help prepare for a July 2023 Cross Currents assignment.
Cross Currents Flyer Template_July 2023 public tour
Theme of the tour:
Fresh Perspectives on Art: Reflect on evolving museum practices as we reimagine what art is and view artworks paired in unexpected ways.
Gallery 230 (Rotunda)
Thematic connection:
In the past, the Rotunda showcased the Classical sculpture of ancient Greece and Rome, giving prominence to the Eurocentric view of art history, where Classical sculpture is seen as one of the high points of (predominantly male) artists’ achievements. Now, the Rotunda is showcasing new accessions to Mia’s collection, better reflecting the diversity in the museum’s collection and the current curatorial approach to collecting and displaying work from artists (women and BIPOC) who historically have not had representation in these gallery spaces.
Artworks, see accession proposals for artworks on display:
Spring 2023 Rotunda Rotation Guide Proposals
Visitors might be interested in learning more about some of the other new gallery reinstallations or approaches. You can send them to check out the Americas galleries, to explore the contemporary work on display:
How to Shift Museum Space to Native Place
For Shiva and Parvati with Companions:
Visit the colorful and vibrant South and Southeast Asian galleries:
With New Light: Mia’s Reinstalled Himalayan, South, and Southeast Asian Art Galleries
as well as Pujan’s training with us (search Pujan Gandhi to find the recording)
For the Chief’s Blanket: Navajo Chief’s Blankets: Three Phases
For Lamar Peterson, a great article: Lamar Peterson: A Self-Portrait
From Kate Christianson, a gallery with good info on Navajo weaving: Donald Ellis Gallery
Gallery 255
Thematic connection:
Gallery 255 is set up as a mini-exhibition, “Night Life,” which presents 20 artworks from across Africa that address the various ways nighttime was, and in some cases still is, perceived and experienced. With the sounds of African nightlife in the background, these artworks speak to the richness and vitality of life after the sun goes down. Here the curator attempts to evoke a greater understanding of the context for the works by use of sound as well as a dark blue on the walls.
Note connections to some “fresh perspectives” on display in G250/254 (see articles below). For example, ancient Egypt art is included within the African galleries, reflecting a Curatorial approach to reconnect all aspects of African history. In the past, ancient Egyptian art was included within the ancient art galleries.
Articles about the African galleries re-design:
Inside the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s New, Improved African Art Galleries
Redesigned African Art Galleries To Open at MIA
Africa revisited: How the new galleries will change the way you see art museums
Gallery 318
Thematic connection:
Period rooms like our French salon used to be very static spaces, filled with decorative arts and furniture from that specific era of the room. With the Living Rooms Initiative, Mia sought to reinvigorate and reinterpret these spaces. Now the Salon is set up to reflect the use of the room, with a soundtrack and lighting scheme meant to better give a sense of its original context.
(Note: Bring a flashlight to this room to use, as it does become quite dark!)
Articles on the initiative:
Living Rooms: The Period Room Initiative
Labels and panels:
Other notes:
Gallery 375
Thematic connection:
In this gallery, focus on the idea of “fresh perspectives” from artists, in the inventive use of traditional materials (e.g., Joe Overstreet’s canvases) and use of new materials, previously not seen in museum spaces (e.g., Harmony Hammond’s Chicken Lady). Also, in this gallery we have a focus on better representation of the diversity in modern art, with works by BIPOC and women artists prominently showcased.
Recording of training with Curator Bob Cozzolino: