Relating American Objects

“Object Lessons in American Art” features four centuries of works from the Princeton University Art Museum that collectively explore American history, culture and society. Inspired by the concept of the object lesson — the study of a material thing to communicate a larger idea — the exhibition brings groups of objects together to ask fundamental questions about artistic significance, materials and how meanings change across time and contexts. With a focus on race, gender and the environment, these pairings demonstrate the value of juxtaposing diverse objects to generate new understanding. “Object Lessons” presents Euro-American, Native American and African American art from contemporary interpretive perspectives, illustrating how fresh investigations art can inform and enhance its meaning, affording new insights into the American past and present.

An accompanying catalogue expands upon the exhibition through focused analyses that situate these important works within current social, cultural and artistic concerns and debates.

“Object Lessons in American Art” is organized by the Princeton University Art Museum.

Curator
Karl Kusserow, John Wilmerding Curator of American Art, Princeton University Art Museum (in-house curator: Jeffrey Richmond-Moll, curator of American art)