#USA #Santa Fe #Vilcek Foundation #Marsden Hartley #New Mexico Art

Explore the Artistic Legacy of Marsden Hartley

The New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe proudly presents an incredible exhibition titled Marsden Hartley Adventurer in the Arts. This exhibition showcases a vast array of paintings, drawings, and personal artifacts belonging to the renowned artist, Marsden Hartley, who played a pivotal role in the American Modernist movement. This unique display not only highlights Hartley's artistic influence but also reflects his extraordinary life journey, spanning across continents and cultures.

A Journey Through Time

Marsden Hartley, born in 1877 in New England, developed a passion for art and an insatiable curiosity for diverse cultures. His travels across North America and Europe significantly shaped his artistic vision, instilling a multicultural perspective in his work. This exhibition is a testament to Hartley's commitment to learning from the varied landscapes and people he encountered throughout his life.

Rick Kinsel, the President of the Vilcek Foundation, emphasizes Hartley's dedication to embracing different cultures, stating, “Hartley’s significance as an artist can be attributed to his lifelong commitment to learn from cultures and landscapes that differed from those immediately available to him.” The Vilcek Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding of immigrant contributions to the United States, and through this exhibition, they aim to celebrate both Hartley’s revolutionary approach to modernism and the enrichment brought about by cultural exchange.

The Exhibit

Organized in collaboration with Bates College Museum of Art, the exhibition features 40 paintings and drawings, alongside numerous historical artifacts that span over 36 years of Hartley's prolific career. This includes pieces inspired by his experiences in the American Southwest, where he immersed himself in local cultures, attending Pueblo dances and ceremonies.

Emily Schuchardt Navratil, the curator of the exhibit, expressed her excitement about showcasing Hartley's works at a place that resonated deeply with him: “New Mexico resonated deeply with Hartley—he wrote of attending Pueblo dances and ceremonies and left the Southwest vowing to return.”

Among the pieces on display are six of Hartley's New Mexico Recollections, which he painted during his time in Berlin in the early 1920s. These works serve as a vibrant reminder of his experiences in the Southwest. The core of this remarkable collection has been assembled over the last 20 years by Jan and Marica Vilcek, co-founders of the Vilcek Foundation, in collaboration with Kinsel.

Navratil undertook a significant journey to the various places Hartley inhabited throughout his life, establishing a vital partnership with Bates College Museum of Art, the holder of many of Hartley’s artworks and personal collectibles. This includes mementos from his travels and snapshots that offer a glimpse into his inspiring life.

Interactive Experiences

The exhibition is not just visually stimulating but also provides interactive experiences. Visitors can explore interactive stations inspired by Hartley's life where they can indulge their creativity—writing poems on typewriters, flipping through Hartley’s books in a cozy nook, or even coloring passport-style zines. The exhibit encourages engagement through journal prompts and scavenger hunts, making art appreciation an immersive experience for all ages.

Among the noteworthy pieces displayed is the iconic Schiff (1915), which will only be shown in the United States for the second time. Artwork like this showcases Hartley’s evolution as an artist and provides insight into his extraordinary ability to blur the lines between various artistic styles and cultural influences.

The Marsden Hartley Adventurer in the Arts exhibition will be available to the public until July 25, 2025, creating an extended opportunity for art enthusiasts and visitors alike to explore the depth and breadth of Hartley's contributions to modern art.

The Vilcek Foundation continues to advocate for the visibility of immigrant influences in the arts and sciences. Their mission, inspired by their experiences as immigrants themselves, has resulted in the donation of over $15 million in grants and prizes to enrich the American arts landscape since their establishment in 2000. To learn more about this important work and the Hartley exhibition, visit vilcek.org.