The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA), a Cultural Institute of the University of North Florida, kicks off the second half of its 100th anniversary year with “Fill My Heart With Hope: Works From The Gordon W. Bailey Collection.”
The inclusive exhibition featuring more than 100 works from the collection of the noted Los Angeles-based scholar and collector follows his gift of 21 works donated to MOCA earlier this year that significantly added to the museum’s holding of works by untrained artists.
The works reflect Bailey's decades-long advocacy. Many of the artists, whether because of their gender, race, religion or socio-economic status, pushed through discrimination and overcame various hardships during their lives, especially those living in the Deep South.
“‘Fill My Heart With Hope’ is an extraordinary, diverse exhibition,” said MOCA Executive Director Caitlín Doherty. “We are grateful for Mr. Bailey’s generous support, and we are honored to celebrate MOCA’s centennial year by sharing this impactful exhibition with our community and shine a light on the contributions of untrained artists within the art historical narrative.”
Working in concert with MOCA’s team, Bailey selected the works of 56 artists — 21 of whom are women. The expansive exhibition begins on the third floor in the museum’s feature gallery and carries over to the second floor where more recently created works are displayed.
Powerful works made by deceased luminaries can be seen on MOCA’s third floor. Walls are devoted to Leroy Almon, Eddie Arning, Thornton Dial Sr., Sam Doyle, Roy Ferdinand, Daniel Pressley, Herbert Singleton and Purvis Young.
Other highly-regarded artists include Alpha Andrews, David Butler, Brenda Davis, Minnie Evans, Sybil Gibson, Joseph Hardin, Bessie Harvey, Eric Holmes, Clementine Hunter, Harry Lieberman, Mario Mesa, Sister Gertrude Morgan, Nellie Mae Rowe, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Mose Tolliver and Willie White.
Among the highlights: Almon’s admonition “20th Century Slave”; “Blue Lady And Gorilla Man And The Tiger Along For The Ride” by Dial; Doyle’s progressive “He/She”; Evans’ “Untitled”; Ferdinand’s “Untitled” self-portrait; Hunter’s “Cotton Gin”; Morgan’s “New Jerusalem”; Pressley’s deftly-carved, wood bas relief “Wait At The Water”; Singleton’s defiant “Ain’t Goin’ Back”; and Young’s “Untitled” depiction of Jesus in chains.
“Fill My Heart With Hope” continues on the second floor where visitors will see works by Hope Atkinson, Aryz, Chris Benchetler, Date Farmers, Doze Green, Hipkiss, Daniel Johnston, Annie Lucas, Michael Noland, John K. Lawson, Ruth Mae McCrane, Samuel Pace, Mary L. Proctor, Welmon Sharlhorne, Myrtle von Damitz III and Jane Winkelman, among others.
Standouts include a group of Aryz’s edgy, large-scale paintings; Benchetler’s poignant “A Hero’s Journey”; a Doze Green/David Ellis collaboration; Lawson’s intricate paper collages; Lucas’ Biblically-inspired embroidered canvas works; Noland’s “Monument”; the surreal “Monk In Dali Land” by Pace; energized, slice-of-life scenes by Ruth Mae McCrane; and Winkelman’s socio-political comments.
Florida is well represented in both galleries by Holmes, Mesa, Proctor, Young and former part-time residents Winkelman and Gibson.
As American museums seek to become more inclusive, artists lacking formal training will undoubtedly find receptive audiences. Their unbridled creativity and bold expression have and will continue to change how we define contemporary art.
MOCA asks viewers to set aside preconceived notions, reconsider historical definitions and more fully embrace the power of individual expression.
The exhibition runs from July 25 through March 23 and is displayed in MOCA’s second and third floor galleries.
A “Fall Exhibitions” opening celebration will take place Sept. 5, with free public access from 8 to 9 p.m. Enjoy an evening of art and community featuring live music, the MOCA Bar and new exhibitions throughout the museum. This event is free for all. MOCA members are invited to an exclusive early access preview.
This exhibition was made possible, in part, by the City of Jacksonville, the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, the Donald and Maria Cox Fund, the Haskell Endowment, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, MOCA Jacksonville’s Centennial Sponsors and the University of North Florida.
