The Denver Art Museum is currently presenting a groundbreaking photography exhibition titled "What We've Been Up To: Landscape," featuring never-before-seen landscape photographs that continue to captivate visitors through December 7. The exhibition represents a significant addition to the museum's contemporary art programming and highlights the institution's commitment to showcasing innovative photographic works.
Curators at major art museums operate with two primary responsibilities that define their professional mission: collecting exceptional works and creating meaningful connections between art and audiences. These cultural professionals function as institutional scouts and shoppers, constantly searching for new acquisitions that will strengthen and expand their museums' existing collections. Their expertise guides them in identifying pieces that will enhance the overall artistic narrative of their institutions.
The curatorial process involves making strategic decisions about acquisitions that serve different purposes within a museum's collection strategy. Sometimes curators focus on purchasing older, historical pieces that fill specific gaps in the museum's holdings within particular categories of art, such as works by old European masters or traditional Korean ceramics. These acquisitions help create a more comprehensive representation of art history and cultural heritage.
At other times, museum curators direct their attention toward acquiring contemporary works from living artists, including painters and sculptors who are actively creating and contributing to the current art scene. This approach ensures that museums remain relevant and connected to ongoing artistic movements and trends, providing visitors with exposure to cutting-edge creative expressions.
The "What We've Been Up To: Landscape" exhibition represents the latter approach, showcasing contemporary landscape photography that offers fresh perspectives on this traditional artistic genre. The photographs on display have never been exhibited publicly before, making this presentation a unique opportunity for Denver-area art enthusiasts and visitors from around the region to experience these works for the first time. The exhibition runs through December 7, giving audiences several months to explore and appreciate these distinctive landscape photographs at the Denver Art Museum.
