Artistic California: Regional Art from the Collection of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Artistic California is a collection of visual art that celebrates California's landscapes and culture, featuring works from many luminaries from the nineteenth-century American West to today. It showcases the Museum's decades-long history of supporting the region's artists and reflects the state's complex issues, including wealth gaps, unhoused populations, and climate change.

Format: Hardback
Length: 84 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: Cameron & Company Inc

Artistic California is a captivating compilation of visual art, curated by the esteemed museum curator Emma Acker, that pays homage to the rich landscapes and vibrant culture of the Golden State. This remarkable collection showcases a diverse range of artworks, featuring the creations of numerous renowned artists, who have left their mark on California's artistic landscape. Spanning from the awe-inspiring vistas of the nineteenth-century American West to the contemporary expressions of artists residing and working in the state today, the paintings, drawings, and prints featured in this exhibition offer a multifaceted portrayal of California. Art made in California holds a central place within the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco's permanent collection, serving as a testament to the Museums' longstanding commitment to supporting the artistic community of the region.

Artistic California serves as a captivating window into the vast scope and exceptional quality of the Museums' collection. Through the reproduction of these works, the exhibition celebrates the breathtaking natural beauty, utopian idealism, and optimistic spirit that have long defined California. The region has been a catalyst for relentless pursuits of technological advancements, social evolution, and creative growth, inspiring its residents to push the boundaries of what is possible. At the same time, California faces profound challenges, including escalating wealth disparities, homelessness, and the devastating consequences of climate change. Art produced in California serves as a powerful medium for exploring these complex issues and illuminating how our understanding of them has evolved over time.

Within the tapestry of Artistic California, the artworks reveal the vibrant and diverse tapestry of the regions people and places. They capture the essence of the state's diverse communities, from the bustling urban centers to the serene natural landscapes. These artworks not only showcase the physical beauty of California but also delve into the deeper social, cultural, and political dimensions that shape the state's identity. By examining these artworks, viewers gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of California's history, culture, and contemporary realities.

Artistic California serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the essence of a place and its people. Through its diverse collection and thoughtful presentation, the exhibition invites viewers to explore the rich artistic heritage of California and engage with the state's complex issues from a fresh perspective. It is a celebration of the creativity, resilience, and spirit of a region that continues to inspire and shape the world around us.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 211 x 239 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781949480412