MoMA Goes to Paris in 1938: Building and Politicizing American Art

The Museum of Modern Art's first international exhibition, Three Centuries of American Art, took place in 1938 in Paris. It showcased over 750 artworks, including colonial portraits, film, folk art, painting, prints, and sculpture, contributing to the internationalization of American art. The exhibition also expressed a vision of American art and culture as a formulation of national identity. MoMA collaborated with the US Department of State to deploy works of art as diplomatic agents during the politically turbulent 1930s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

Three Centuries of American Art, held at the Museum of Modern Arts in 1938, marked a significant milestone in the institution's international exhibition history. With an impressive collection of over 750 artworks on display in Paris, spanning various artistic mediums such as seventeenth-century colonial portraits, iconic figures like Mickey Mouse, architectural wonders, film, folk art, painting, prints, and sculpture, the exhibition was a comprehensive showcase of American art to date in Europe. Moreover, it played a pivotal role in the internationalization of American art, introducing it to a broader global audience.

MoMA Goes to Paris in 1938 delves into the context of a time when the notion of artworks as "masterpieces" was subject to much debate. The exhibition sought to present a vision of American art and culture that went beyond mere art historical exploration and became an expression of national identity. Caroline M. Riley explores how, amidst the political turmoil of the 1930s, MoMA collaborated with the US Department of State for the first time to deploy works of art as diplomatic agents.

The exhibition in Paris showcased a diverse range of American artists, including prominent figures such as George Bellows, Edward Hopper, Jackson *******, and Willem de Kooning. Their works, which encompassed a wide range of styles and themes, reflected the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the United States. The exhibition also included a section dedicated to contemporary American art, showcasing the latest developments in the field.

One of the key aspects of MoMA Goes to Paris in 1938 was its collaboration with the US Department of State. The museum worked closely with the State Department to select and deploy artworks that would convey a positive image of the United States to foreign audiences. This collaboration was a significant step in promoting American art and culture on the international stage and helped to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The exhibition also had a broader impact on the art world, as it challenged traditional notions of what constituted a masterpiece and opened up new possibilities for artistic expression. It demonstrated that art could be a powerful tool for conveying cultural values, ideas, and identities and could transcend national boundaries.

In conclusion, MoMA Goes to Paris in 1938 was a groundbreaking exhibition that played a crucial role in the internationalization of American art. Through its comprehensive collection of artworks and its collaboration with the US Department of State, the exhibition presented a vision of American art and culture that was both art historical and national in scope. It challenged traditional notions of art and helped to establish American art as a significant force on the global art scene.

Weight: 1089g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520386914