Henri Cartier-Bresson, Beryl Cook, Fischli/Weiss, Sarah Forrest, Andy Goldsworthy, Douglas Gordon, David Hockney, Eduardo Paolozzi, David Shrigley, Stanley Spencer, Andy Warhol and Lawrence Weiner
TASTE! * is an exhibition of artworks from Glasgow Museums’ collection displayed alongside material from our archive, exploring how collections are built, artworks are commissioned, and exhibitions are organised. Through the display of artwork and archive, TASTE! will present a narrative that unpicks the history of the Gallery of Modern Art’s (GoMA) collecting, shining a light on both the artworks and the processes behind their journey from artist’s studio to museum collection. By hanging artwork and archive together, TASTE! suggests that object and idea are of equal importance and offers the exhibition as a space to enjoy, question and discuss the value of art.
Few things can cause controversy in the way that contemporary art can. From unmade beds to piles of bricks, the objects, processes and concepts behind modern and contemporary art are undoubtedly challenging. Since opening its doors in 1996, GoMA has, like the work here shown, sometimes been a controversial place. Once notorious for not including artists emerging from Glasgow in the early to mid-90s in favour of popular, figurative artworks, much of what has been shown here has divided opinion. Now GoMA can pride itself on being a forward thinking, progressive collecting institution with one of the strongest and most diverse collections of Contemporary Art in the UK, holding a wide range of works from cutting edge performance art to internationally significant photography and video.
TASTE! aims to show how curators have approached collecting over the last two decades, exploring artists and curators’ methods, reasoning and influences.
Showing works in a new and experimental context will invoke the spirit in which many artworks were made. Trying new methods of work is key part of both artistic and museological practice and by showing some different combinations of artworks and never before seen objects from the archive**, GoMA is trying something new – attempting to offer a unique insight into contemporary art for both experienced museum goers and first time visitors alike.
Much of the thought processes that take place inside artist’s studios and the offices of the world’s art galleries are completely invisible and alien to many. I think partly because of this it can be a challenge for some visitors when they’re confronted with an unmade bed or pile of bricks and told it’s a work of art. By showing artworks and documents from our archive we hope to offer a greater insight into the how’s and whys of what goes on at GoMA.Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Will Cooper
*With works by 12 artists including Andy Warhol, Beryl Cook, Douglas Gordon, Sarah Forrest and Eduardo Paolozzi, TASTE! will periodically change with rotations taking placing over the coming years.
**This exhibition will, for the first time, place works together to create a snapshot of our collecting history, with some never before seen archive material expanding on GoMA’s rich history.
what paintings by beryl cook do you have and what size are these?
Hi James, the paintings on display are “By the Clyde” and “Hen Party II”. You can check more details on these and other Beryl Cook’s works in our collection at this link: http://collections.glasgowmuseums.com/mwebcgi/mweb?request=advanced&dtype=d&_tkeyword=beryl+cook