Minneapolis Review

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) has announced several new acquisitions that expand its diverse collection across multiple cultural and historical areas. These include a Japanese battle coat, a rare Qing Dynasty painting, a significant work by Algernon Cecil Newton, and María Berrío’s "El Dorado."

Katie Luber, Nivin and Duncan MacMillan Director and President of Mia, emphasized the importance of these acquisitions: “These acquisitions reflect our ongoing commitment to building a collection that spans cultures, time periods, and artistic practices,” she said. Luber noted that each piece provides unique insights into global artistic traditions and human experiences.

A standout addition is an early Qing dynasty painting titled "Three Wisdom Kings," depicting wrathful deities from the Kangxi period. This religious artwork enhances Mia's collection of Chinese religious paintings and has historical significance due to its previous ownership by Sophus Black.

The museum also acquired three Japanese battle surcoats (jinbaori) from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. These garments were worn by high-ranking daimyo over their armor to indicate rank on the battlefield. Each surcoat features distinct design elements reflecting Japanese textile craftsmanship.

In textiles, Mia added 23 rugs and textiles from Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan dating from the 19th to early 20th centuries. Acquired from textile specialist Thomas Murray, these pieces feature traditional designs made with natural dyes.

Algernon Cecil Newton’s "A View of Godmersham Park on a Cloudy Day" represents British landscape art during World War II. Known as “the Regent’s Canaletto,” Newton captured Godmersham Park in a composition reflecting wartime foreboding.

Louis Albert Guislain Bacler d’Albe’s gouache "Bacchanal in a Classical Landscape" joins Mia's works on paper collection. Created in 1803 by Napoleon’s chief cartographer, it bridges Neoclassicism and Romanticism in European landscape painting.

María Berrío’s contemporary collage "El Dorado" marks her first entry into Mia's Latin American art collection. Part of her series “The End of Ritual,” it explores themes of ritual loss using Japanese papers and watercolor paint on canvas.

Lastly, Bill Viola’s video work "Father and Daughter," part of his Transfiguration Series created in 2008, enriches Mia's time-based media collection. The piece highlights emotional transformations through high-definition video technology.

The Minneapolis Institute of Art continues to offer free general admission while charging nominal fees for special exhibitions. More information is available at www.artsmia.org or by calling +1 612-870-3000.