The James Pearson Duffy Department of Contemporary Art
The James Pearson Duffy Department of Contemporary Art collection, which spans the period from the mid-20th century to the present day, has a particularly strong emphasis on post-World War II American art, including fine examples of Abstract Expressionist painting, Minimalism, and Pop Art. Many of the important works in these areas were gifts of Detroit collector W. Hawkins Ferry or the museum support group that he founded, the Friends of Modern Art, including signature works by Willem de Kooning, Donald Judd, and Andy Warhol. Post World War II European art is well-represented by important works by Alberto Giacometti and Francis Bacon. Gifts of major private collections of glass by Aviva and Jack A. Robinson and turned wood by Robert M. Bohlen greatly enhanced an already encyclopedic collection of studio craft objects in all media. Acquisition of works by young artists is ongoing and the collection is beginning to incorporate new media such as installation and video art.
Helen Frankenthaler's masterpiece painting The Bay is back on view after a recent incident with a stick of gum. Click here and learn how the DIA's conservation scientist took action to preserve one of the DIA's great works of art.
Join the Friends of Modern Art today to meet other art lovers and learn more about the behind the scenes of the DIA's stunning Contemporary collection by clicking here.
