AMERICAN EXUBERANCE

November 30, 2011—July 27, 2012

Artists in the exhibition:

American Exuberance at the Rubell Family Collection/Contemporary Arts Foundation will include 64 artists and 190 artworks, 40 of which were made in 2011, many specifically for this exhibition.

American Exuberance will occupy all 28 galleries in the 45,000 sq. ft. museum, and all works in the exhibition are drawn from the Rubell Family Collection/Contemporary Arts Foundation. A 244-page catalog will be available, with writings by 13 artists in the exhibition including Kathryn Andrews, Frank Benson, Hannah Greely, Thomas Houseago, Richard Jackson, Rashid Johnson, Nate Lowman, John Miller, Richard Prince, Sterling Ruby, Haim Steinbach, Ryan Trecartin, and Kaari Upson.

Exhibition Statement
In our efforts to understand the America we live in today, we turn toward contemporary art and artists. The 64 artistsin American Exuberance, all citizens or residents of this country, are keen observers of American culture, economy and politics – whatever their country of origin.

In its totality, the exhibition creates a portrait of the American condition. The artworks span the last few decades for context, with a focus on works made in today’s America. 

We asked a number of participating artists to comment on American Exuberance for the catalog. Many of them conceived original texts. The following is an excerpt from John Miller’s submission that has deeply informed our understanding of the subject:

“American exuberance is part myth and part reality… Paradoxically, exuberance is linked to stagnation, entropy and ruin. Its efflorescence becomes mirage-like. For the artists, these conditions are materials.”