This updated presentation of the MCA collection, which will be unveiled April 30, features the return to the galleries of some of the best-loved works of art in the collection, including pieces by Alfredo Jaar, Andy Warhol, and Claire Zeisler. On view are some 125 works that represent major historical developments in art-making from 1945 to the present. Envisioning the Contemporary focuses on several distinct areas of artistic activity: late surrealism, Chicago art, minimal and conceptual art, and current art. Other highlights include a newly acquired Marcos Raya piece, three Ed Paschke paintings recently bequeathed to the MCA by the late collector Ruth Nath, and 15 sculptures by Alexander Calder, which are installed together in a gallery overlooking Lake Michigan.

The exhibition was organized by Alison Pearlman, MCA Assistant Curator of Collections.