2021 Permanent Collection Acquisitions

 In 2021, Kemper Museum welcomed 20 artworks by 10 contemporary artists into the Permanent Collection. Together, these recent additions to the Permanent Collection expand on relevant topics in contemporary art, align with the museum’s exhibition history, celebrate significant local art genres, and prioritize investment in and representation of the breadth of culturally, ethnically, and geographically diverse artists who are engaging today’s most critical issues. 

With ever-evolving curatorial perspectives, a permanent collection can provide new meaning and context for works through exhibitions and programs.

The acquisition of works by artists Joiri Minaya (Dominican-American, born 1990), Patrick Quarm (Ghanaian, born 1988), Christopher Udemezue (American, born 1987), and Dyani White Hawk (Sičáŋǧu Lakota, born 1976) build on themes of decolonization, history, and cultural identity present in the Permanent Collection. The addition of works by artists Bruce Dorfman (American, born 1936), Eddie Martinez (American, born 1977), and Quarm deepen and expand on Kemper Museum’s history of collecting and exhibiting modern and contemporary painting. Finally, the acquisition of nine works by artists Ken Ferguson (American, 1928–2005), Warren MacKenzie (American, 1924–2018), George Timock (American, born 1945), and Patti Warashina (American, born 1940) highlight a vibrant and influential ceramics community connected to the Kansas City, and especially to the Kansas City Art Institute.

“Kemper Museum continues to grow its Permanent Collection, which now includes nearly 1,500 exemplary works by hundreds of artists, demonstrating our commitment to creating access to art for all as an important mode of interpreting our contemporary world,” said Erin Dziedzic, director of curatorial affairs for Kemper Museum. “Maintaining a permanent collection in a contemporary art museum supports artists by ensuring the preservation and contextualization of their work both here and through partnerships and gives visibility to their lived experiences. These inspiring and challenging works of art also help generate relevant programming to continue to unpack and appreciate the ideas they put forward.”

2021 Permanent Collection Acquisitions