In a departure from the Addison’s usual practice, in which these galleries are presented with one thematic focus, this exhibition presents five unique aspects of the collection, each organized by a different curator. Every exhibition reflects a curator’s hand, heart, and mind as he or she chooses and installs the works on display. In this case, viewers will experience the range of taste, interest, and knowledge that the director, three curators, and an artist have brought to the task of designing an installation.

Framed by a selection predominantly from the Addison’s 19th century masterpieces chosen by the director in the main gallery, each adjacent room focuses on the concept of collaboration: artist and sitter, found object and process, printmaker and printer, and word and image.

We trust the exhibition will offer insight into the curatorial process at the same time that it showcases aspects of the Addison’s collection as seen through individual curatorial lenses.

This exhibition has been generously funded by the Bernard and Louise Palitz Exhibitions Fund and the Charles H. Sawyer Curatorial Fellowship Fund.

Thomas Sully (1783- 1872)
Tom Wharton, 1800s
oil on canvas
museum purchase
Addison Gallery of American Art