Jenny Holzer, Talking Politics, 2008, Pigment print, ed 1/5, 60 x 75 in., Given by the artist, UM 2014.32


40 Years/40 Artists is an exhibition of work by renowned local, national, and international artists who, at crucial moments in their careers, had exhibitions at our museum which had great impact in opening up important dialogue on ideas relevant to contemporary art and society. In recognition of our 40th anniversary, artists participating in this exhibition have generously donated their works of art to the UMCA’s permanent collection, to serve as a legacy and to help us continue our role as an inspirational teaching resource.

In 1975 the University Museum of Contemporary Art (formerly the University Gallery) was created as a unique organization at UMass Amherst centered on the fundamental vision of bringing the most important contemporary national and international art to our community. During these past 40 years, renowned and emerging artists have come to the UMCA to participate in our exhibition and education programs from countries such as the UK, France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Poland, Russia, Mexico, South Africa, Morocco, Nigeria, Lebanon, Korea, and from across the US. Our exhibitions have provided a forum for the exchange of ideas and perspectives that reflect the world we live in – with the belief that contemporary art can impact our lives and that we all gain by bringing people together around the critical work of artists.

The UMCA gratefully acknowledges the support of Grumbacher.

Participating artists include:

Eve Aschheim Alice Aycock Radcliffe Bailey Miroslaw Balka Dawoud Bey Daniel Buren Lynne Cohen Donna Dennis Brendan Fernandes LaToya Ruby Frazier Tom Friedman Frank Gohlke David Goldblatt Matthew Higgs Jenny Holzer Robert Irwin Kimsooja

Julie Mehretu Ann Messner Stephen Petegorsky Ellen Phelan Jefferson Pinder Avery Preesman Scott Prior John Riddy Tim Rollins & K.O.S. Sheron Rupp Katy Schimert Anna Schuleit Frederic Schwartz Joel Shapiro Joel Sternfeld Elizabeth Stone Beat Streuli

David Teeple Mickalene Thomas Francesc Torres George Trakas Billie Tsien/Tod Williams Andy Warhol Carolyn Webb Carrie Mae Weems William Wegman James Welling Allan Wexler  Peter Wuethrich

Archive of their past exhibitions: CLICK HERE