An extraordinary new exhibition has just opened at the Whitney in Manhattan, featuring a selection of works from the permanent collection focused on the theme of “Progress.” The work spans 1926 to 2008 and is a who’s who of Modern art that spreads across mediums and ideas, all firmly grounded in the ideas of Modernism as it applied to the progression of the 20th century.

The Whitney is one of those superb museums that never ceases to astound. The curators are endlessly clever, and – better still – the museum is never afraid to take chances or risk offending audiences, read potential donors. In fact, I’d say that it’s that very attitude that brings members, donors and tourists alike to the museum to check it out. They are an eclectic bunch that wants to be challenged. I always loved the Whitney when I lived in Manhattan, and never missed a biennial. I do have to say, though, in the spirit of what I’ve just written above, some artists tapped to be showcased in the biennial were dubious choices… Just my opinion.

Back to “Progress,” though. Here’s a snippet of what the Whitney itself has to say about its latest offering, which I wish dearly I could get to Manhattan to check out in person:

“During the first half of 20th century, many American artists visualized the modernist faith in science and empirical knowledge… Ed Ruscha addresses modernity’s linear advancement with cool detachment, tracking its effects over the passage of time, while the works of Louis Guglielmi and Robert Graham register an acute postwar anxiety toward urban sprawl and consumerism... The exhibition also features work (that) mine(s) specific moments in the history of modernism to investigate the ways in which notions of progress have been used to construct systems of power and subjectivity that continue to affect contemporary life.”

Very cool, all-inclusive, and deep reaching. I especially like the ideas presented by Guglielmi and Graham regarding postwar anxiety regarding sprawl and consumerism. These are the areas where Modernism is most relevant to today’s society, and where we can learn from the ideas of visionary artists, especially as it concerns the faith in the future and the subsequent disillusionment that followed as the century progressed.

Here’s a link to ArtDaily.org, which is where I got my first glimpse, and a link to the Whitney itself.

-Noah Fleisher, Aug. 6, 2008