The Message is the Medium: Contemporary Art

The long-awaited contemporary exhibition The Message is the Medium: Contemporary Art is now open featuring contemporary pieces from the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s permanent collection. Several of the most beloved works from the collection will be on display including Robert Rauschenberg’s Sling Shots Lit #3, James Turrell’s Acton, and Nam June Paik’s recently conserved Who’s Your Tree. Exciting new acquisitions will join old favorites including a textile piece by April Bey titled Atlantican Archives: A Group of Beyoncés Founded Earth Feminism created using digital printing techniques.

The Message is the Medium traces the evolution of contemporary art history from the early 20th century through today, with an emphasis on experimental works beyond painting and sculpture. Guests will see how contemporary artists innovate with new media, expanding the possibilities of art beyond historical categories.

The exhibition embraces the boundary-pushing spirit of contemporary art and will delight guests from the casual viewer to fanatics of the contemporary collection at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The exhibition will be on view in the Allen Whitehill Clowes Special Exhibition Space through 2024.

The Message is the Medium: Contemporary Art is curated by Michael Vetter, PhD, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at Newfields.