
Left to right: John McAllister, Darksome Almost Dawn, 2011; Richard Jackson installing The Blue Room, 2011; Lisa Yuskavage, Northview, 2000.
American Exuberance
November 30, 2011—July 27, 2012
American Exuberance at the Rubell Family Collection/Contemporary Arts Foundation will include 64 artists and 190 artworks, 40 of which were made in 2011, many specifically for this exhibition.
American Exuberance will occupy all 28 galleries in the 45,000 sq. ft. museum, and all works in the exhibition are drawn from the Rubell Family Collection/Contemporary Arts Foundation. A 244-page catalog will be available, with writings by 13 artists in the exhibition including Kathryn Andrews, Frank Benson, Hannah Greely, Thomas Houseago, Richard Jackson, Rashid Johnson, Nate Lowman, John Miller, Richard Prince, Sterling Ruby, Haim Steinbach, Ryan Trecartin, and Kaari Upson.
Visit our online bookstore to order the catalog.
Exhibition Statement
In our efforts to understand the America we live in today, we turn toward contemporary art and artists. The 64 artists in American Exuberance, all citizens or residents of this country, are keen observers of American culture, economy and politics – whatever their country of origin.
In its totality, the exhibition creates a portrait of the American condition. The artworks span the last few decades for context, with a focus on works made in today’s America.
We asked a number of participating artists to comment on American Exuberance for the catalog. Many of them conceived original texts. The following is an excerpt from John Miller’s essay that has deeply informed our understanding of the subject:
“American exuberance is part myth and part reality… Paradoxically, exuberance is linked to stagnation, entropy and ruin. Its efflorescence becomes mirage-like. For the artists, these conditions are materials.”

Installation view, Sterling Ruby, American Exuberance exhibition, 2011-12
American Exuberance and Incubation Exhibition Sponsors

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INCUBATION by Jennifer Rubell Jennifer Rubell presents her 11th annual breakfast installation, Incubation, opening Wednesday, November 30 from 9 a.m. to noon and continuing every morning through Sunday, December 4. Incubation is an exploration of the creative act, simultaneously addressing the creation of food, the creation of life, and the creation of art. The installation incorporates two essential halves of the creative act: an incubation gallery where yogurt is being made; and an observation gallery where the yogurt is anointed with honey and then consumed.
30 Americans 30 Americans showcases works by many of the most important African American artists of the last three decades. This provocative exhibition focuses on issues of racial, sexual, and historical identity in contemporary culture while exploring the powerful influence of artistic legacy and community across generations. Expanded 2nd Edition Catalog for 2011 is available - order it today
North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh
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As the world's oldest Parisian fashion house, Lanvin is delighted to be collaborating with the Rubell Family Collection in its support of young artists. Since his tenure, Artistic Director Alber Elbaz has used his keen artistic sensibility to preserve Jeanne Lanvin's understanding of art and fashion. Starting at ArtBasel and building over the course of the year, the conversation initiated between the Rubell Family Collection and Lanvin will bring to life a groundbreaking dialogue between contemporary art and fashion.





