Beauty, Humor, and Social Justice: Gifts from Joan Morgenstern May 22–August 21, 2011
Richard Misrach, Desert Fire 249, 1985, chromogenic print, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of Joan Morgenstern in honor of Clinton T. Willour. © Richard Misrach
Julie Blackmon, Floatie, 2006, inkjet print, ed. #1/25, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by Joan Morgenstern in honor of Alex and Sophie Daily. © Julie Blackmon
Karl Baden, Untitled (dog with black spots), 1983, gelatin silver print, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, gift of Joan Morgenstern. © Karl Baden
Houstonian Joan Morgenstern began to collect photography in 1985, while enrolled in a photo history class at the Glassell School of Art. Three years later she became founding president of Photo Forum, the patron group for the MFAH photography collection. This exhibition showcases her continuing generosity toward the MFAH.
The show’s title identifies the themes that dominate Morgenstern’s dedication: Beauty, Humor, and Social Justice echo her personality and interests, and these terms also illustrate the depth and breadth of her collecting. Julie Blackmon, Bill Brandt, Keith Carter, Robert Frank, Earlie Hudnall, Ray K. Metzker, Richard Misrach, and Simon Norfolk are among the photographers whose work is on view in the exhibition. Visit the MFAH Press Room for more information.
An Evening with Joan Morgenstern
Wednesday, July 20, 6 p.m.
In conjunction with this exhibition, Joan Morgenstern talks about her collection and answers questions at Houston Center for Photography. A short reception follows. Cosponsored by Photo Forum
This exhibition is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.