360°: Exhibiting Modern Art

This 2-unit 360 cluster runs over the course of the 2013-2014 academic year. In the fall, the History of Art course will study the history of modern art from the Armory Show of 1913 to the present, through the lens of a significant collection of modern American art on loan to the College. The spring Curatorial course will shift to the implementation of theory in the multidisciplinary practice of mounting and programming an exhibition of the collection in Canaday Library. The 360 will consider differences in addressing academy and community as audiences, and bring together theoretical and practical aspects of art history, art criticism, art exhibition, and art education. Field trips and guest speakers will give students the opportunity to assess exhibition strategies and consult with museum professionals.  Students will be involved in every aspect of the planning, installation, and programming of the show.

A Century of Self-Expression: Modern American Art in the Collection of John and Joanne Payson

February 28 – June 1, 2014

Class of 1912 Rare Book Room, Canaday Library.

Exhibiting Modern Art Courses:

History of Art 350: Topics in Modern Art: Modern Art in Exhibition

This course, taught by Steven Z. Levine in Fall 2013, explores the history of modern art through the lens of a significant collection of modern American art on loan to the College. Students explore the art historical context of the artists’ work in preparation for the curating of an exhibition of the collection.

History of Art 301: Making an Exhibition: Perspectives on Museums

Taught by Brian Wallace in Spring 2014. This Museum Studies course examines and implements the theoretical and practical aspects of the exhibition of modern art, utilizing access to an important collection of modern art and focusing on collaboration with scholars, educators, students, museum administrators, and campus and public audiences. Students gain broad, deep exposure to the recent history and current state of the exhibition and interpretation of modern art, through this collection-based exhibition and through case studies of historical and contemporary models.

Related Links

• Class Blog
• Exhibit video
• Catalog Text (at BMC Repository)
• Exhibition Events Page
• Review of Exhibition in Swarthmore's Daily Gazette
• Review of Exhibition on I on the Arts

Sarah Theobald, 360° Coordinator
101 North Merion Avenue
Bryn Mawr
Pennsylvania, 19010
610-526-5509
stheobald@brynmawr.edu