What's Happening?
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has completed the first full reinstallation of the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection in a decade. Titled 'Reimagined: The Fisher Collection at 10,' the exhibition, which opened on April 18, features nearly
250 works by 35 artists spread across approximately 60,000 square feet on four floors of the museum. This rehang represents the first comprehensive transformation of the collection since its initial public viewing with the museum's expansion in 2016. The collection, underwritten by the Fisher family's foundation, remains a central offering at SFMOMA. The reinstallation includes works rarely or never before seen in the original display, such as Sol LeWitt’s 'Wall Drawing #477' and Shirin Neshat’s video 'Passage.' The exhibition is led by Ted Mann, SFMOMA’s project assistant curator of the Fisher Collection, and Gamynne Guillotte, the museum’s chief education and public engagement officer, with a focus on accessibility features like tactile maps and visual descriptions.
Why It's Important?
This reinstallation is significant for the U.S. art community, particularly in San Francisco, as it revitalizes a major cultural offering and provides a fresh perspective on a prominent collection. The Fisher Collection, sourced from the founders of Gap, represents a substantial private art holding now made accessible to the public through a long-term loan agreement with SFMOMA. The rehang's emphasis on accessibility, including tactile maps and visual descriptions, broadens the museum's reach and inclusivity, setting a potential precedent for other institutions. Furthermore, the financial commitment from the Fisher Art Foundation for the reinstallation and the Co-Lab underscores the ongoing role of private philanthropy in sustaining major cultural institutions and making art accessible to diverse audiences. The collection's continued prominence also highlights the enduring influence of established wealth in shaping the cultural landscape of cities like San Francisco.
What's Next?
The 'Reimagined: The Fisher Collection at 10' exhibition is currently open and is expected to remain a key attraction at SFMOMA. The arrangement between SFMOMA and the Fisher family dictates that every 10 years, for at least six months, the Fisher galleries will be exclusively dedicated to works from the collection. This ensures periodic re-evaluations and fresh presentations of the art. The museum will continue to integrate its own collection and outside loans with the Fisher works during other periods. The success of this reinstallation, particularly its accessibility initiatives, may influence future exhibition strategies at SFMOMA and potentially other museums. The ongoing financial support from the Fisher Art Foundation suggests a continued partnership that will shape the museum's offerings for decades to come, with the loan agreement extending for up to 100 years with renewal options.
Beyond the Headlines
The reinstallation of the Fisher Collection at SFMOMA reflects a deeper trend in the relationship between private wealth, corporate philanthropy, and public cultural institutions in the U.S. The long-term loan agreement, initially set for 25 years and later extended to 100, exemplifies how significant private collections can become integral to public museums, ensuring their preservation and accessibility for generations. This model raises questions about the influence of private donors on museum programming and the balance between curatorial independence and donor preferences. The collection itself, a portrait of the Fishers' friendships and an era, offers a unique lens through which to understand the evolution of modern art and the personal tastes that shape major collections. The ongoing presence of 'old money' like the Gap fortune in San Francisco's civic life, alongside newer technology fortunes, highlights the complex interplay of economic power and cultural patronage.
