Celebrating Modern Art : The Anderson Collection > Works on Paper

on view: October 7, 2000 - January 15, 2000 These galleries begin with a series of sculptures displayed next to artists' preparatory drawings. The pairings reveal the Andersons' penchant for collecting artists' work "in-depth," that is, to collect artworks in all media in which an artist practices. In most cases the artists who created the works on paper displayed here are represented in other sections of this exhibition. In addition, the joint presentation of the sculptures and drawings also illustrates what the Andersons term their "head and hand" philosophy. The Andersons purposefully seek out works that demonstrate the artist's deep engagement with the process of making and thinking about art--pieces in which they can feel the presence of the artist's "head and hands." Works done on paper, especially drawings undertaken by the artist as working studies, are an excellent place to find this combination of imagination and discipline.

Nathan Olivera  Reclining Nude  1968  Acrylic and India ink on  paper  17 x 19 1/4 in.  Collection of Harry W. and  Mary Margaret  Anderson

		Preparatory sketches and drawings served as the Andersons' introduction to works on paper. However, they quickly became interested in the great diversity of new artforms that were being made on paper during the 1970s. Artists such as Robert Arneson began to utilize multiple techniques and media to create works on paper that had evolved well beyond the idea of a simple drawing. The phrase "works on paper" came into use at this time to describe this eclectic activity and to abolish the connotation that art made on paper played only a supporting role to painting or sculpture. Nothing makes this point more strongly than the pieces by Richard Diebenkorn displayed in these galleries. The works could be interpreted as studies for the Ocean Park paintings (one of which is exhibited in the California Art section). But when standing in front of the works themselves it becomes clear that they have a power and presence uniquely their own.
	Emil Nolde  Head of a Woman  ca. 1930s  Watercolor on paper  13 1/2 x 17 5/8 in.  Collection of Harry W. and Mary Margaret Anderson

	For more features or information on Celebrating Modern Art: The Anderson Collection, please visit the following sources: Interactive Web feature: Art as Experiment, Art as Experience

Celebrating Modern Art: The Anderson Collection is organized by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition is supported by the Board of Trustees of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Modern Art Council, a Museum auxiliary. Additional generous support is provided by Doris and Donald Fisher, Helen and Charles Schwab, Evelyn D. Haas, Phyllis Wattis, Mimi and Peter Haas, Patricia and William Wilson III, and Elaine McKeon. Media Sponsors: KRON-TV4, BayTV, and SF Gate Copyright © 1996-2008 San Francisco Museum of Modern Art