This major mid-career survey will present sculptures, installations, photographs, and videos by this artist best known for exhibiting a dress made of flank steak. Vanitas, Flesh Dress for an Albino Anorectic (1987) makes references to the 17th-century tradition of “vanitas” painting, which depicted lusciously overripe fruits. Like its predecessors, Jana Sterbak’s piece examines the transience of hedonistic pleasures, while also commenting on the inevitability of death. This important work, which has become an icon for younger artists, will be exhibited along with other significant works and new pieces by this Czech expatriate who currently lives and works in Montreal and Barcelona.

The exhibition is organized by Amada Cruz, the MCA’s Acting Chief Curator. Cruz, who was recently named Director of the Center for Curatorial Studies Museum, Bard College, New York, will return to the MCA to install the exhibition. It is accompanied by a full-color, illustrated catalogue with essay by Cruz and by Teresa Blanch