Modern Moments:
Abstract Works from the BMoA Collection

January 30, 2025 - May 3, 2025

The Exhibit

Modern Moments: Abstract Works from BMoA’s Collection presents an evocative journey through six decades of abstract art, featuring 11 standout pieces from the Bakersfield Museum of Art’s permanent collection, created between 1961 and 2023. The exhibition celebrates the evolution of abstraction, blending mid-century modern influences with experimental techniques, mixed media, and a greater emphasis on personal and social themes. Each piece captures the spirit of its era—bold explorations of color, texture, and form—while addressing universal themes of identity, emotion, and the complexities of modern life.

These works underscore abstraction’s transformative power, showcasing how artists have used non-representational forms to provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and evoke profound emotional responses. Dynamic compositions and experimental approaches reveal the versatility of abstraction as both deeply personal and universally resonant. This exhibition highlights the enduring relevance of abstraction as a means of engaging with modernity’s challenges and inspirations.

Ultimately, this collection serves as both a reflection on art’s evolving language and a celebration of the Bakersfield Museum of Art’s commitment to preserving and showcasing abstract works that inspire dialogue and foster a deeper understanding of abstraction’s lasting impact. The Permanent Collection features over 400 works, showcasing California artists from the 20th century to today, offering a broad exploration of art created in and inspired by California.

Exhibiting Artists

James Byrd, Marco Casentini, Laddie John Dill, Bryan Ida, Phil Paradise, Ed Reep, Ann Marie Rousseau, Brook Temple, Kieu Tran, Mary Weatherford, Jun Yang

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