Exploring “After modernism”: A Deep Dive into the neumann collection

The Arthur Ross Gallery at the university of Pennsylvania offers a fascinating glimpse into the expansive world of the Neumann Family Collection. The “After Modernism” exhibit showcases a selection of works reflecting the family’s eclectic tastes and their journey through the art world. Beyond the art itself, the story of the Neumanns adds another layer of intrigue.

A Glimpse Inside: The “After Modernism” Exhibit

Located within the historic Fisher Fine Arts Library, the Arthur Ross Gallery provides an intimate setting for exploring the exhibit. Curated with the guidance of Professor Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw and her students, the exhibition presents a carefully chosen selection from the Neumanns’ vast holdings.

The exhibit’s virtual reality component offers a unique perspective. Visitors can virtually explore the Neumann’s five-story townhouse,experiencing the art in its original,densely packed environment. This immersive experiance, created using Matterport 3D camera technology on October 19, 2024, provides a rare glimpse into the collector’s personal space.

The Neumann Family: From Cosmetics to Collecting

The Neumann family’s journey into art collecting began in the 1940s. Hubert Neumann, a Wharton graduate from the class of 1952, led the family’s cosmetics business. Their travels to Europe for perfume ingredients sparked an interest in art, ultimately leading to a collection of approximately 3,000 pieces.

Professor Shaw recounts, “When we went up to meet with him, we were just floored by the house and everything in it…As an art historian I was really struck by the family’s story. They started collecting in the 1940s.”

Inside the collection: Artists and Themes

Though ““The Andy Warhol and Basquiat weren’t going to come,” Shaw said,” the Arthur Ross Gallery showcases 56 pieces reflecting the family’s diverse taste. The exhibit features works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Miro, Matisse, Jeff Koons, Keith Haring, alongside pieces from Penn alumni Patricia Renee’ Thomas and Allison Zuckerman. The salon-style arrangement emphasizes the breadth and depth of the Neumanns’ artistic vision.

Shaw describes the collection as having “the thread that runs through the show of Dada and surrealism and psychedelic visions that artists are still having.” She adds, “The Neumanns are into what it means to be human and move through this world and also to have a fantastic and expansive cosmic vision…There’s something for everybody in this show. The power of the salon hang makes it challenging to focus on one thing, but you get to see a lot.”

The Human Element: A Family Story Unfolds

The Neumann family’s story is interwoven with their collecting habits. The collection, valued at an estimated $1 billion, has been the subject of family disputes. Neumann himself stated the collection was ruining his family’s lives, reflecting the complex dynamic between art, wealth, and personal relationships. A New York Post story even featured “security camera photographs of neumann, then 86, in handcuffs inside his new York city brownstone, surrounded by his cascading artwork” due to a family dispute.

Practical Applications and Actionable Advice

• Visit the Arthur Ross Gallery: Experience “After Modernism” firsthand to appreciate the Neumanns’ diverse artistic vision. (Note: Verify current exhibit dates and times before visiting.)
• Explore Virtual Reality: Immerse yourself in the virtual recreation of the Neumann townhouse for a unique perspective on art collecting.
• Expand Your Artistic Horizons: Use the exhibit as a springboard to explore Dada, Surrealism, and contemporary artists featured in the collection.
• Consider the Human Element of Collecting: reflect on the Neumanns’ story and the impact of art and wealth on family dynamics.

Conclusion

The “after Modernism” exhibit offers more than just a display of art; it provides insights into the minds of collectors, the evolution of artistic taste, and the complex relationships that can surround valuable collections. By visiting the Arthur Ross Gallery and immersing yourself in the Neumanns’ world, you can gain a deeper appreciation for art and the human stories behind it. Take the opportunity to explore this unique exhibition, and consider how it shapes your own understanding of art and its place in our lives.

How does the exploration of “serendipitous collecting” versus a calculated investment strategy,as exemplified by the Neumann family,influence our understanding of art collecting practices in general?

Delving into “After Modernism”: an Interview with Art Historian Dr. Vivian Holloway

We sat down with Dr. Vivian Holloway, a renowned art historian specializing in post-modern collections, to discuss the “After Modernism: Selections from the Neumann Family Collection” exhibit at the Arthur Ross Gallery.

Exploring the Neumann Collection’s “After Modernism” Exhibit

Archyde News: Dr. Holloway, thank you for joining us. The “After Modernism” exhibit at the Arthur Ross Gallery, featuring the Neumann Family collection, has garnered important attention. What initially struck you about this particular selection of works?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: Thank you for having me. what promptly impressed me was the sheer breadth of the collection and the Neumanns’ adventurous spirit in embracing art movements following modernism. It’s not just a display of famous names, but a curated narrative of a family’s journey through the evolving landscape of art.

The Virtual Reality Experience and its Impact on art Gratitude

Archyde News: The exhibit also incorporates a virtual reality experience, allowing visitors to explore the Neumanns’ townhouse. How does this immersive element enhance the viewing experience?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: The VR component is ingenious. It provides invaluable context, letting viewers see the art as the Neumanns originally lived with it – densely packed and part of their everyday lives. This adds an entirely new dimension to appreciating the collection, moving it beyond a sterile gallery setting.

Insights into the Neumann family’s Art Collecting Philosophy

Archyde News: The text mentions the Neumanns’ journey into art collecting began in the 1940s, fueled by their travels for their cosmetics business. What does this origin story reveal about their collecting ethos?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: I believe it highlights the serendipitous nature of their collecting. It wasn’t a calculated investment strategy, but a genuine curiosity and passion that grew organically. Their exposure to diverse cultures and aesthetics through their business trips undoubtedly shaped their eclectic tastes.

Dada,Surrealism,and Psychedelic Visions: Thematic Connections

Archyde News: Professor Shaw notes the presence of “Dada and surrealism and psychedelic visions” within the collection. How do these themes resonate with contemporary audiences?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: These themes continue to captivate because they delve into the human condition, exploring our subconscious thoughts, dreams, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. The Neumanns’ collection taps into somthing timeless and universally relatable.

Art, Wealth, and Family Dynamics: A Complex Interplay

Archyde News: The narrative also touches upon the family disputes surrounding the collection, revealing a darker side to art ownership. What insights can we glean from this aspect of the story?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: It’s a stark reminder that art, especially when coupled with significant wealth, can become entangled with complex family dynamics. The Neumann story raises critically important questions about inheritance, legacy, and the emotional weight of owning such a valuable collection. It demonstrates that art, beyond its aesthetic value, can also be a source of both joy and conflict.

Encouraging Engagement: A Final Thought

Archyde News: Dr. Holloway, what’s one thing you hope people take away after experiencing the “After Modernism” exhibit?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: I hope it inspires people to explore art beyond the familiar and to consider the personal stories behind each piece. And perhaps, to reflect on what kind of art they woudl collect if they had the possibility – what aspects of humanity would they want to preserve and illuminate?

Archyde News: A thought-provoking question indeed! Thank you so much for your time and insights, Dr. Holloway.