MCA Collection: New Acquisitions in Context 2010
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA)
Duration
10 Dec 2010 to 19 Jun 2011
Curator: Anna Davis
MCA Collection: New Acquisitions in Context 2010 was the final installment of the New Acquisitions exhibition series, which since 2005 has provided audiences with the opportunity to experience a dynamic cross-section of Australian contemporary art recently acquired through purchase and donation. Like the first exhibition in this series, New Acquisitions in Context 2010 brought together some of the Museum’s latest acquisitions alongside selections from the existing JW Power and MCA Collections. By doing so, it celebrated the strength and diversity of contemporary art practice, while also connecting the Museum to its past and offering insights into how the Collection is being developed today.
Spanning a range of media from sculpture and drawing to installation and video, the exhibition included work by both established artists and those in the early stages of their careers, many of whom have participated in exhibitions at the MCA previously. Like earlier exhibitions in this series, New Acquisitions in Context 2010 was not built around a single thematic premise; instead it focused on individual artistic achievements and brought together a diverse range of work exploring multiple concerns. There were however, connections and groupings that emerged throughout the exhibition. Several light and kinetic works were featured reflecting this important area of strength within the MCA Collection, while a number of other works engaged with ‘lo-fi’ and everyday materials. Issues such as time, obsolescence and the obsessive nature of art practice could also be observed.
Significantly, MCA Collection: New Acquisitions in Context 2010 was the final Collection exhibition to be held in the MCA’s old Level 4 Galleries. The newly refurbished building now features a floor designed to permanently house exhibits from the MCA Collection.
Please note: The MCA is currently working through its exhibition archive to provide rich documentation of past exhibitions, including a full listing of artists exhibited. This page currently only features artists and works that are in the MCA’s online collection. Please check back soon, or email artisticprograms@mca.com.au if you have any concerns or queries.