Within the realm of artistic expression, both creation and observation stand as profound acts of Tender Loving Care. This concept extends from the meticulous labor invested by artists in their craft to the thoughtful contemplation and deep appreciation offered by viewers. Even the preservation of art through careful storage, diligent conservation, and thoughtful display underscores this nurturing aspect. The “Tender Loving Care” exhibition at the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) serves as an insightful exploration into how contemporary artists articulate and engage with the multifaceted concepts of care through their chosen materials, compelling subjects, innovative ideas, and intricate processes.
Featuring an extensive collection of over 100 works drawn from the MFA’s holdings, including recently acquired pieces and previously unexhibited objects, the exhibition meticulously defines, vividly depicts, and powerfully demonstrates the diverse manifestations of care. These expressions are thoughtfully organized into five thematic groupings, each offering a unique lens through which to examine the central theme: threads of connection, thresholds of experience, the necessity of rest, the vitality of vibrant matter, and the power of adoration.
Gisela Charfauros McDaniel’s captivating portrait of her mother, Tiningo’ si Sirena (2021), exemplifies this exploration, seamlessly moving between intimate personal connections and a keen attentiveness to broader, more universal concepts deeply meaningful to the artist. These include the rich tapestry of cultural inheritances and the intricate web of ecological interconnectivity. Similarly, Nick Cave’s transformative Sound Suit (2008) embodies care by extending the lifespan of discarded objects. Through meticulous transformation, he repurposes these items into a surreal and otherworldly costume, making a potent statement about the inherent value and importance of Black life.
The exhibition also draws attention to the intensive time, dedication, and meticulous labor inherent in the creation of textiles and fiber art. Exemplary works by renowned artists such as Sheila Hicks, Howardena Pindell, and Jane Sauer vividly demonstrate this profound commitment and care embedded within the artistic process. Through these diverse and compelling works, “Tender Loving Care” invites visitors to deeply consider how various forms of care can inspire and inform new models for living and experiencing the world, both in the present moment and for generations to come.
Please Be Seated: An Invitation to Contemplation
A unique and integral component of “Tender Loving Care” is the thoughtful invitation extended to visitors to embrace moments of rest and quiet contemplation within the exhibition space. The “Please Be Seated” program, a pioneering initiative launched at the MFA in 1975, holds the distinction of being the first museum program nationwide to commission contemporary artists to create functional benches and chairs specifically designed for visitor use. These commissioned pieces are not merely utilitarian objects; they are thoughtfully acquired into the Museum’s permanent collection, blurring the traditional lines between art object and functional furniture. Transcending the conventional observational dynamic between artworks and their audience, these seating arrangements actively participate in providing care and comfort to museumgoers, enhancing their experience and encouraging deeper engagement with the art on display.
