13/11/2013
From Russia with Doubt
Cabinet, New York
From the Pollards' collection, a selection of 181 canvases painted in the Suprematist and Constructivist styles of early twentieth-century Russian avant-garde masters.
Cabinet is pleased to present From Russia with Doubt, an exhibition co-organized with the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver.
In 2010, Adam Lerner, the director of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, did something unheard of in the museum world: he mounted a large exhibition of paintings without first knowing whether they were real or fake. Painted in the Suprematist and Constructivist styles of early twentieth-century Russian avant-garde masters, the 181 canvases had been acquired by amateur collectors Ron and Roger Pollard from a mysterious seller in Germany. The man, who they met on eBay, claimed that the paintings had been found in an abandoned shipping container held in German customs since the 1980s.
From Russia with Doubt showcases a selection of paintings from the Pollards' collection; the opening will feature a discussion with Lerner about the genesis of the exhibition and about the place and value of doubt—of not knowing—within the modern cultural institution.
This event—which celebrates the publication of From Russia with Doubt (Princeton Architectural Press), Lerner’s book on the making of the exhibition and the stakes involved with showing unauthenticated artworks also marks the opening of an exhibition co-organized by MCA Denver and Cabinet featuring a selection of paintings from the Pollards’ collection. The evening will include a discussion with Lerner about the value of inauthenticity and the benefits of not knowing within the modern cultural institution.
About Adam Lerner
Adam Lerner is the Director and Chief Animator of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. In 2004, he founded the Laboratory of Art and Ideas at Belmar (The Lab) to explore the changing nature of art and museums. Lerner’s public programs have been adopted by museums throughout North America and a recent article in the New York Times stated that Lerner’s work to engage audiences is “reshaping what has become a stale model for a contemporary art museum.”
About Cabinet
Featuring exhibitions of both contemporary art and historical materials, as well as a diverse range of talks, screenings, and performances, Cabinet's event space was inaugurated in the fall of 2008 to further extend the magazine's engagement with art and culture. Cabinet is open to the public Monday to Saturday from noon to 6pm and is fully wheelchair-accessible.
About the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
Founded in 1986, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver) explores the art and culture of our time through rotating exhibitions and public educational programs. In 2007, MCA Denver opened a 27,000-square foot facility in lower downtown Denver designed by architect David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates. Featuring regional, national, and international artists, MCA Denver offers a wide range of exhibitions promoting creative experimentation with art and ideas. Through adult and youth education programs and other creative events, the museum serves as an innovative forum for a culturally engaged community.
For further information, contact Cabinet at press@cabinetmagazine.org
Opening: Thursday, 14 November, 7–9pm
Cabinet
300 Nevins Street, Brooklyn - NY
Hours: Monday–Saturday noon–6pm
Free entry