Cara Romero (Chemehuevi, b. 1977); Water Memory, 2015 Archival pigment print on Canson Palatine Fiber Rag Ed. 5/10; Sheet: 34 x 34 in.; framed dims?; Museum purchase, Acquisition Fund 2019.1.1; Row Q, Shelf 3.2
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- What does a museum photography collection look like in the 21st century— and how does it take shape? Platinum to Postcards: Collecting Photography at MAM (2000– 2025) offers a rare look at the Montclair Art Museum's photography acquisitions over the past 25 years—from early 20th-century prints to bold contemporary works. On view now until to the Fall, the exhibition invites visitors to experience the breadth and evolution of the medium—and the Museum’s expanding vision.
Curated by Chief Curator Gail Stavitsky, the exhibition showcases more than 40 photographs acquired since the year 2000, from platinum prints to archival pigment prints, Polaroids to postcards. The result is a dynamic portrait of photography’s role in shaping—and reflecting— American art, culture, and identity.
“This is more than a collection of beautiful images,” says Stavitsky. “It’s a story of artistic innovation, cultural shifts, and the growing diversity of voices represented in photography today. It’s also the story of the Montclair Art Museum and how we’ve committed ourselves to collecting with purpose.”
William Richardson (1876–1935) Grand Central Station, N.Y., ca. 1927-28; Vintage gelatin silver print 197/8x157/8in. Museum purchase; Collectors Forum Fund; 2007.12; No current location recorded
From postcard-sized prints that once passed through the mail to larger-than-life portraits exploring identity and place, this exhibition offers a full-spectrum experience of photography’s past, present, and future. Whether you're a seasoned collector, an art enthusiast, or simply curious about the power of images, Platinum to Postcards promises something unforgettable.
Platinum to Postcards also complements the Museum’s reinstallation of Native art through works by Indigenous photographers Cara Romero (Chemehuevi Indian Tribe), Nicholas Galanin (Tlingit/Unangax̂), and Holly Wilson (Delaware Nation), bridging collection-building with contemporary cultural narratives.
Highlights from the Exhibition Include:
* Cross-generational storytelling: From Alfred Stieglitz’s protégé Karl Struss to rising contemporary artists like Alia Ali (Yemeni-Bosnian-American) and Holly Wilson (Delaware Nation), the exhibition spans generations, styles, and perspectives.
* Works rarely or never before exhibited: Discover photographs by Louis Stettner, Robert Barry, Kiki Smith, and Vik Muniz, many on view for the first time or after many years in storage.
* A look inside Warhol’s world: See a rarely exhibited selection of Andy Warhol’s personal Polaroids, preserved in a spiral-bound album and now displayed in a special installation.
Philippe Halsman (1906–1979) Andy Warhol, 1968; Color photograph 17 x 14 in. sheet Gift of Beth and George Meredith 2005.23.7; Flat File Drawer 8, Folder 2
* Photographic techniques across time: From the soft-focus elegance of early platinum prints to digital pigment prints and Cibachrome works without traditional frames, the exhibition showcases the ever-evolving material language of photography.
* Themes of identity and concealment: Highlights include Holly Wilson’s portrait of her son wearing a ghost mask and Alia Ali’s vivid textile portraits, both exploring visibility, cultural belonging, and self-representation.
Alia Ali (b. 1989) Pick-a-Pocket, 2023; From the JADE series; Archival pigment print with metallic fabric frame; 52 x 37 x 3 in., Ed. of 3 plus 2 AP Museum purchase; Acquisition Fund 2023.14
Founded in 1914, the Montclair Art Museum (MAM) is one of the nation's leading art institutions, known for its dedication to American and Native American art. MAM serves as a cultural hub for the community, offering exhibitions, educational programs, and a commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices.
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