In Reflection: Contemporary Art and Ourselves

In Reflection: Contemporary Art and Ourselves is an evolving installation of Telfair Museums' modern and contemporary art collection featuring paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, sculptures, textiles, and mixed and time-based media from 1945 to the present day. In addition to their historical context and aesthetics, the wide variety of artworks on view encourages us to consider the artist’s role in mirroring individual and collective experiences and identities through these objects. These reflections are broadly explored: The PERSONAL delves into the self, offering insight into the emotions evoked through the work. The SOCIAL looks critically at the world, tackling of-the-moment topics such as climate change, globalization, social activism, and politics. The CULTURAL takes a big picture view, grappling with history, religion, language, legacy, and land that are central to cultural customs and traditions.

Grounded by the museum’s collection, the exhibition also features loans and new acquisitions by contemporary artists active in the United States and beyond. These additions serve to remind us that art is never static but continues to respond to the current moment. While navigating the exhibition and learning about the works, we can ponder our own perspectives, unveiling a deeper understanding of ourselves and our relationships with the world around us.

This exhibition is organized by Telfair Museums and curated by Erin Dunn, curator of modern and contemporary art.