Constructing Identity in America (1766–2017)

This permanent collection show of more than 80 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper will address a variety of characteristics that contribute to one’s sense of self, including civic, cultural, artistic, religious, professional, and sociopolitical identities, sense of place and personal space, and non-conformity.

Portraits range from Charles Wilson Peale’s Portrait of George Washington (1783) to John Singer Sargent’s Ernest-Ange Duez (1884), Alice Neel’s Isabel Bishop (1974) and Catherine Opie’s Jo (1993) and this exhibition goes far beyond portraits to explore other aspects of sense of self. Works addressing the impact of geography upon identity include those of Matthew Jensen, Abelardo Morrell, and Dennis Oppenheim, while defining moments of social activism appear in works by Juan Sanchez, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Jack Whitten, and Mel Edwards. 75 artists are represented. 

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.        

Barbara Kruger (b. 1945), Untitled (Seeing through you), 2004-05. Color photograph, Ed. of 10. Montclair Art Museum: Museum purchase; Acquisition Fund 2006.11. © Barbara Kruger. Courtesy of Mary Boone Gallery.