The Whitney Acquires Work from Two UArts Alumni

The work of UArts alumni Jonathan Lyndon Chase BFA ’13 (Painting) and Alex Da Corte BFA ’04 (Printmaking) was recently acquired by the Whitney Museum of American Art, following the 2019 Biennial. The event features the art world’s most innovative voices, typically by young and lesser known artists, whose work has an enduring impact. Among those 75 artists featured in the 2019 Biennial, 88 works by 40 artists were acquired. 

In the curatorial statement for the Whitney Biennial, curators Janet Panetta and Rujeko Hockley describe “a profound consideration of race, gender and equity; and explorations of the vulnerability of the body” exhibited by the artists. Chase’s work exemplifies these considerations, exploring the black queer experience in his painting. In a recent GQ interview, Scott Rothkopf, chief curator for the Whitney, said, “Jonathan is one of the most powerful voices among a generation of young queer artists who are unapologetically expressing their experiences and desires with a new kind of sexual and emotional candor.”

Da Corte’s work also tackles societal issues by transforming everyday objects to challenge the viewer’s perspective on consumer culture. Through his installations and performance art, Da Corte’s work forces the viewer to grapple with the material objects that shape the traditions of our culture. His recent installation at the Dallas Museum of Art, “For a Dreamer of Houses,” deals with the “politics of places we identify with.” 

The acquisitions include both newcomers and artists who have been included in Whitney collections before. Rothkopf told The Art Newspaper that “the Whitney is committed to adding new voices to [their] collection,” such as Chase, John Ahearn, Laura Aguilar, Maria Berrio, ektor garcia, Ajay Kurian, Wendy Red Star, and Wallace & Donahue, among others. Rothkopf also wants to continue “deepening [their] relationships with artists already represented in it,” like Da Corte, Simone Leigh, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Hank Willis Thomas. According to The Art Newspaper, Chase and Da Corte’s work will be among the 255 pieces the Whitney has added to their permanent collection since April.