Maryland State Wire

The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) has announced the acquisition of approximately 75 new works. These pieces span various time periods, cultures, and geographical locations, highlighting a wide range of artistic innovation. The acquisitions reflect the museum's dedication to diversifying its collection with works from artists both local to Baltimore and worldwide. Among the new additions are a textile by Mary Ellen Crisp, paintings by Mark Thomas Gibson and Lubaina Himid, as well as photographs by Tamiko Nishimura and Gail Thacker.

The BMA continues its investment in artists connected to the Baltimore region with acquisitions from Linda Bills, Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum, and Sara VanDerBeek. This group includes two quilts made by the MICA Pandemic Quilters that document experiences from 2020 related to the coronavirus pandemic and social justice movements.

A significant promised gift comes from BMA National Trustee Sylvia de Cuevas, including 37 works featuring modern icons like Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. This gift introduces new artists to the BMA’s collection such as Victor Brauner and Niki de Saint Phalle.

Asma Naeem, Dorothy Wagner Wallis Director of the BMA, stated: “The acquisitions announced today speak to the BMA’s focus on both acclaimed and under-recognized artistic movements and creative breakthroughs.”

Highlights among the acquisitions include "Biden’s Entry Into Washington 2021" by Mark Thomas Gibson, "Posture Master" by Lubaina Himid, "Hoop Dreams" by Cheryl Pope, "ERA" by Shahzia Sikander, "Arrival (Pierneef)" by Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum, ceramic jars from Acoma Pueblo artists, and a Qur’an from Nigeria or Chad dating back to 1850-1899.

The Baltimore Museum of Art was founded in 1914 and houses over 97,000 objects spanning multiple eras and cultures. It features significant collections including those of Henri Matisse's works. The museum is located near Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.