An International Survey of Recent Painting and Sculpture [antikvár]

PREFACE An International Survey of Recent Painting and Sculpture, which this publication accompanies and documents, is the first exhibition in the Museum's ne^*; expanded facilities. It is a most appropriate choice because it reaffirms two basic tenets of this Museum since its founding: the conviction that art transcends national boundaries, and a deep, continuing commitment to art of the present and future, as well as the past. On behalf of the trustees and staff of the Museum, I wish to express our deep appreciation to ATT, which has most generously provided funds to make this exhibition and publication possible. This major grant to an exhibition of very recent works represents an important example of enlightened corporate sponsorship. ATT clearly recognizes that experiment and irmovation, so highly prized in business and industry, must be equally valued and supported in the arts. We owe very warm thanks to Charles L. Brown, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive OfBcer of ATT; Edward M. Block, Vice President for Public Relations; James L. Brunson, Corporate Vice President for Public Relations; members of their staffs; and many other representatives of ATT. We appreciate not only their active interest and unstinting cooperation but also their patience with special problems inherent in planning a large international loan exhibition to coincide with reopening the expanded Museum. Our gratitude is also due the National Endowment for the Arts which provided addi- tional support for this exhibition. This grant exemplifies the Endowment's long and distinguished record of furthering contemporary art and contributing importantly to the vitality of the arts in this country The individual most responsible for this ambitious undertaking is Kynaston McShine, Senior Curator in the Department of Painting and Sculpture. As director of the exhibition, he has dedicated great effort and thought to seeking out stimulating new work by artists all over the world. The result reflects not only his eye and his judgment but also his conviction, courage, and integrity. In his research, in the organization and installation of the exhibition, and in the preparation of this publication, he has greatly benefited from close collaboration with Monique Beudert of the Department of Painting and Sculpture, who deserves particular thanks. They have both had the devoted support of the staff of the Museum, which complemented its customary professionalism with special enthusiasm and determination in coping with unusual demands imposed by the reopening of the Museum. Since this exhibition inaugurated the newly designated International Council Galleries, it is also appropriate here to thank The International Council of The Museum of Modern Art for its continuing and generous support. Finally, we are, as always, deeply grateful to the lenders without whose generosity no exhibition like this would be possible. Above aU, we thank and honor the artists whose creativity and vision we celebrate in this exhibition.