Art of This Century gallery
Art of This Century was an influential art gallery in New York City, established by heiress Peggy Guggenheim to showcase her collection of modern European art alongside contemporary American artists. The gallery operated from 1942 to 1947 and was notable for its innovative design, created by modernist architect Frederick Kiesler, who implemented unique display methods that challenged traditional exhibition norms. Critical responses to the gallery's avant-garde aesthetic ranged from admiration to discomfort, reflecting its bold approach to art presentation.
During its brief existence, Art of This Century played a pivotal role in the careers of several emerging artists, including Jackson Pollock, Robert Motherwell, William Baziotes, Clyfford Still, and Mark Rothko, who were integral to the abstract expressionist movement. Guggenheim's commitment to promoting these artists provided them with crucial exposure at a time when the art world was predominantly focused on European works. The gallery's closure in 1947 coincided with Guggenheim's move to Europe, but its impact on the American art scene and the acceptance of avant-garde movements remains significant.
On this Page
Art of This Century gallery
Identification Art gallery of European and American modern art
Date Opened on October 20, 1942
Art of This Century showcased modern art by both European masters and up-and-coming young American artists, becoming a center for avant-garde art in the United States.
Heiress Peggy Guggenheim founded Art of This Century in New York City to display her collection of modern European art and to exhibit the work of contemporary American artists. Modernist architect Frederick Kiesler created daring and innovative display spaces for the gallery, with abstract paintings suspended on ropes and surrealist works extending from curved wooden walls. Critical opinion of the revolutionary design ranged from “mystifying and delightful” to “vaguely menacing.”
During the gallery’s brief five-year tenure, Guggenheim gave many talented newcomers their first solo exhibitions, including Jackson Pollock, Robert Motherwell, William Baziotes, Clyfford Still, and Mark Rothko. These artists were part of the burgeoning abstract expressionist movement. Art of This Century’s support for these artists, particularly Pollock, was key in providing exposure and acceptance for their work and ideas. After Guggenheim decided to move to Europe, the gallery closed on May 31, 1947.
Impact
Art of This Century championed American avant-garde artists at a time when other galleries were focusing on European artwork. The gallery launched the careers of Jackson Pollock and other remarkable young artists and provided a springboard for the abstract expressionist movement.
Bibliography
Davidson, Susan, and Philip Rylands, eds. Peggy Guggenheim and Frederick Kiesler: The Story of Art of This Century. New York: Guggenheim Museum Publications, 2004.
Dearborn, Mary V. Mistress of Modernism: The Life of Peggy Guggenheim. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2004.