Tate Modern’s New Acquisition

Tate Modern Receives Transformative Joan Mitchell Triptych in Landmark Donation

Gift from Miami philanthropists Jorge and darlene Pérez bolsters museum’s collection of American abstract expressionism.

April 4, 2024

A Masterpiece Finds a New Home

London’s Tate Modern has unveiled a “transformational” donation, a monumental triptych by American abstract expressionist Joan Mitchell, gifted by Miami-based philanthropists Jorge M. Pérez and Darlene Pérez,according to the BBC.The artwork,titled “Iva” after Mitchell’s beloved German Shepherd,is a sprawling 20-foot-long canvas that had previously graced the walls of the Pérez’s Miami residence.

The Pérez’s decision to part with such a meaningful piece from their personal collection underscores their commitment to public access to art.Jorge Pérez acknowledged the personal connection to the painting, telling the BBC, “our hope is always that our art is seen by the highest number of people.The Tate has huge viewership, millions and millions of people coming in.” This donation not only enriches Tate Modern’s collection but also exemplifies the crucial role of private patronage in supporting public art institutions. According to figures from the National endowment for the Arts, private philanthropy accounts for a considerable portion of funding for arts organizations across the United States, highlighting the importance of such contributions.

“Iva” in Context: Mitchell’s legacy and the Abstract Expressionist market

The significance of this donation extends beyond the sheer scale and beauty of “Iva.” Joan Mitchell, though often overshadowed by her male contemporaries like Jackson Pollock and Willem de kooning, is increasingly recognized as a pivotal figure in the abstract expressionist movement. Her dynamic compositions,characterized by vibrant colors and gestural brushstrokes,capture the emotional intensity and spontaneity that define the era.

Since her death in 1992, Mitchell’s market value has skyrocketed. According to the AP, the soaring prices of Mitchell’s work, exemplified by a $29 million sale at Christie’s in 2023, have made acquiring her paintings increasingly arduous for public museums. This surge in value reflects a growing appreciation for her contributions and a reevaluation of her place within the art historical canon. The donation of “Iva” is particularly impactful as it allows the Tate Modern to showcase a major work by Mitchell, filling a significant gap in their collection of American abstract expressionism. Jorge Pérez told the Art Newspaper that “the large American museums typically have good collections of Joan Mitchell and this fills a gap at the Tate.”

For U.S. art enthusiasts, this donation highlights the global reach and influence of American art. While many major Mitchell pieces reside in American museums like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Whitney Museum of American Art, “Iva”‘s presence at the Tate Modern offers a transatlantic dialog, inviting European audiences to engage with a vital chapter in American art history.

Juxtaposition and Impact: “Iva” Beside rothko’s Murals

Tate Modern has strategically placed “Iva” beside Mark Rothko’s renowned murals, a pairing that Director Maria balshaw believes will allow Mitchell’s painting to “truly shine.” This juxtaposition invites viewers to consider the shared sensibilities and distinct approaches of these two giants of abstract expressionism. While rothko’s work is characterized by large, ethereal color fields that evoke a sense of meditative contemplation, Mitchell’s paintings are more energetic and gestural, reflecting a dynamic engagement with the physical act of painting. by placing these works in dialogue, the Tate Modern encourages a deeper understanding of the diverse currents within abstract expressionism.

The strategic placement also speaks to the evolving curatorial practices within museums. Rather than presenting artworks in isolation, curators are increasingly focused on creating meaningful connections between pieces, fostering dialogue, and enriching the visitor experience. This approach aligns with a broader trend toward more interactive and engaging museum displays.

Reactions and Implications

The donation has been met with widespread acclaim. UK Arts Minister Sir Chris Bryant lauded the gift as a “spectacular” act of generosity, according to Art News. This sentiment reflects the broader appreciation for philanthropic contributions to the arts and their role in enriching cultural institutions.In the U.S., similar acts of philanthropy have played a vital role in shaping the collections of major museums, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

This gift could possibly influence other collectors to consider donating significant works to public institutions, both in the U.K. and the U.S. The visibility and recognition associated with such donations can serve as a powerful incentive,encouraging others to support the arts and ensure that masterpieces are accessible to a wider audience.

The Pérez Collection: A Legacy of Philanthropy

Jorge M. Pérez, the donor behind this transformative gift, is a prominent figure in the Miami art scene. As the founder of The related Group,a leading real estate development firm,Pérez has been instrumental in shaping the city’s skyline and cultural landscape.His passion for art extends beyond collecting to active philanthropy, supporting various arts organizations and initiatives in the Miami area. The Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), named in his honor, stands as a testament to his commitment to making art accessible to the public.

The Pérez’s donation to the Tate Modern underscores the importance of cross-cultural exchange and the role of art in fostering understanding and appreciation between nations.By sharing “Iva” with a global audience, they are contributing to a broader dialogue about art, culture, and the human experience.

Reported by Archyde News

Given the Tate Modern’s acquisition of Joan Mitchell’s “Iva” and its placement alongside Rothko’s murals,how will this juxtaposition influence visitors’ understanding of Abstract expressionism?

Tate Modern’s New Mitchell: An interview with Curator Eleanor Vance

Introduction

Archyde News: Welcome,eleanor.The art world is buzzing! The Tate Modern’s acquisition of Joan Mitchell’s “Iva” is a major event. As a curator, you’re at the heart of this.Can you give us some initial thoughts on the impact of this donation?

The Importance of “Iva”

Eleanor Vance: Absolutely,it’s a game-changer. Having “Iva,” a monumental American Abstract Expressionist painting, within our collection substantially bridges a gap. Mitchell’s work has been underrepresented at the Tate, and this piece, in particular, is stunning. It’s not just the scale, but the emotional power of the work itself.

Archyde News: The article mentions the growing market value of Joan Mitchell’s work. How dose that impact institutions trying to acquire her pieces?

Eleanor Vance: It’s incredibly challenging. Prices have escalated dramatically,making acquisitions through purchase incredibly tough for museums. That’s why these acts of philanthropic generosity, such as the Pérez’s donation, are so vital.

Mitchell and Rothko: A Thoughtful Juxtaposition

Archyde News: The Tate Modern is placing “iva” beside Mark Rothko’s murals. What’s the rationale behind that curatorial decision?

Eleanor Vance: We want to create a dialog. Both Mitchell and Rothko are titans of Abstract expressionism, but their approaches differ.Rothko’s work encourages contemplation,while Mitchell’s is more energetic,gestural,and emotionally charged. The juxtaposition allows visitors to experience the dynamism of the movement and it encourages deeper thankfulness for diverse styles within Abstract Expressionism.

The Pérez legacy and Philanthropy

Archyde News: jorge and Darlene Pérez seem to understand the power of art in the public sphere. How important is private philanthropy to institutions like the Tate Modern?

Eleanor Vance: Indispensable. Public funding alone isn’t sufficient. Philanthropists like the Pérezs, who are driven by a genuine belief in public access to art, enrich the collection and help ensure the art is available for a wide audience. Their donation sets a great example.

Archyde News: Their gift, particularly “Iva,” seems to have the potential to inspire other collectors. Do you foresee a trend of similar donations?

Eleanor Vance: We certainly hope so! The visibility this donation brings, and the awareness it generates about the accessibility of art collections, could encourage others. It is indeed a fantastic legacy.

The Impact on Viewers

Archyde News: It’s wonderful that “Iva” is now available to the public. What do you hope visitors will take away from experiencing this magnificent painting in person?

Eleanor Vance: I hope they are moved. I want them to consider the power of abstract art, the emotions it evokes, and the artist’s journey. I hope it leaves a lasting impact.

Archyde News: A final question for our readers: How do you think the placement of “iva” and Rothko will impact your viewing experience? Will you be a visitor?