In the Galleries: "Past & Present" at the Wichita Art Museum
New at WAM, this exhibition creates conversation between new and well-loved works in the museum's collection.
A new exhibition at the Wichita Art Museum pairs major new acquisitions, 25 of which are on view for the first time, with older works from the museum's permanent collection — many of which have not been on view in years.
Curated by WAM's Tera Lee Hedrick, "Past & Present" is loosely organized around the classic genres of Western art: history painting, portraiture, genre painting, landscapes, and still lifes. But works in each section challenge the limits of each category.
For example, Tanya Aguiñiga's "Border Fall Height," displayed on a long plinth in the landscape section, is a monoprint made with a rusty ladder. It references the ladders migrants have used to scale the fence at the U.S.-Mexico border. The work is installed opposite traditional paintings of the American West that hang with works by Native American artists. "This is a big section with a lot of big ideas," said Tera Lee Hedrick, who curated the exhibition.
"Past & Present" is loaded with big ideas, interesting connections, and open-ended questions.
"Past & Present" is located in the galleries reserved for "special exhibitions," typically the only WAM shows that require paid admission. But through January 3, 2027 — the last day of "Past & Present" — entry to all museum galleries is free.
Also free: A community celebration this Friday at WAM with music, dance, and interactive mural-making.
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