Phoenix Art Museum
The Phoenix Art Museum boasts its world-class collection of visual arts from America, Western America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Fashion design, contemporary art and modern art are also displayed in its expansive area of more than 285,000 square feet.
The American collection features the works of artists, during the late 18th century up to the 20th century, including Gilbert Stuart, Louis Ritman, William Merritt Chase and others. Guests will find in the collection the "Athenaeum Portrait" of the late George Washington which is Stuart’s painting. Ritman’s "Flower Garden" is also displayed in the museum which represents an example of the decorative Impressionism. "The White Rose (Portrait of Miss Jessup)" is also showcased in the museum which is one of Chase’s works in the late 19th century.
The Western American Collection is an exhibit which presents Arizona’s cultural history as well as the great Southwest. Guests will find in this collection the work of the "American Cézanne" Willard Nash called "Untitled (Santa Fe Landscape)" which is noted as one of his finest work. Hermon Atkins MacNeil’s sculpture known as the Sun Vow is a must-see. John Mix Stanley’s landscape painting called "Chain of Spires along the Gila River" shows the tranquility of the land with flora and fauna including prickly pear, saguaro, cholla and deer.
The Latin American Collection showcases the different media including furniture and decorative arts. Influenced by religious tradition, this collection also presents religious paintings of Mexican printmakers. One of the works included is made by an anonymous Mexican painter who painted images of the Virgin Mary in a medallion known as Escudo de monja (Nun’s Shield). El Suicidio de Dorothy Hale (The Suicide of Dorothy Hale) painting became a property of the Phoenix Art Museum in 1960 when Clare Boothe Luce, playwright and editor, donated it to the museum. Supposedly, the painting was made to honor Luce’s deceased friend. However, her dislike to the famous Frida Kahlo’s work led to the donation of the painting. The vivid painting of Rufino Tamayo represents the allusion as well as abstract forms he implements in his work. La pareja en rojo (The Red Couple) is one of the many works of Tamayo.
The European collection showcases the Renaissance style and Impressionism. Among the paintings in this exhibit includes Claude Oscar Monet’s Les arceaux fleuris, Giverny (Flowering Arches), Jean-Léon Gérôme’s Pollice Verso and Carlo Dolci’s Salome with the Head of St. John the Baptist.
The Asian Collection is a diverse gallery featuring the works from the countries such as China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Nepal and Java. Different forms of arts are showcased in this gallery including textiles, screens, scrolls and woodblock prints. Some of the collection highlights include Suit of Samurai Armor (China), Double Magnolia Vase (China) and the Portrait of Lama (Tibet).
The Phoenix Art Museum displays over 4,500 garments, shoes and accessories from America and Europe dated from 18th century to late 20th century. Guests will see the works of famous American designers such as Galanos, Norell, Claire McCardell and Adrian. Well-known European designers’ work including Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Balenciaga and Dior are also displayed in the modern collection exhibit.
The Modern Art Collection represents the works of the modern artwork pioneers in North America and Europe including Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Milton Avery, Stuart Davis and Jean Cocteau. Guests will be able to see different themes including Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism.
The Contemporary Collection displays different artworks in variety of materials including painting in canvas, ceramics, charred wood which was struck by lightning and even computer-controlled LED lighting and video. Famous artists in this collection include Anish Kappor, Yayoi Kusama, Sol LeWitt and many more.
