This exhibition presents one year of collecting—1982—at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. Drawn entirely from the permanent collection, it focuses on the collecting practices of the museum as a way of reflecting upon how art museums form their collection and the justifications for accessioning art.

Highlighting the strength of deCordova’s permanent collection, the year 1982 reveals that deCordova was, in many ways, at the forefront of institutional collecting. Photography was a dominant acquisition medium in 1982, at a time when many museums were only just starting to consider photography a fine art worthy of being acquired. Additionally, many prints entered the collection, which underscores one of the ways the museum has demonstrated its longstanding support of New England artists. Five female artists—Mags Harries, Olivia Parker, Jane Tuckerman, Sage Sohier, Felice Regan—were represented in these acquisitions, which speaks to deCordova’s commitment to New England-based women in the arts. Lastly, the Museum acquired socially engaged art that addresses questions of ecology, environment, and politics, showing that deCordova was an active participant in sociopolitical discussions. Pulling back the curtain on an important aspect of the art museum’s cultural role, this exhibition allows visitors a unique look into the mechanics of forming and maintaining an art collection.

Organized by Martina Tanga, Koch Curatorial Fellow.

Support for this exhibition was generously provided by an anonymous donor.