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Asheville Art Museum

Asheville Art Museum

North Carolina museum exhibiting 20th century American art

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Home > Exhibitions > Vantage Points

Vantage Points

Contemporary Photography from the Whitney Museum of American Art

Dates:
December 18, 2020–March 15, 2021
Location:
Explore Asheville Exhibition Hall

Vantage Points: Contemporary Photography from the Whitney Museum of American Art  features a selection of photographic works from the 1970s to the mid-2000s that highlights how photography has been used to represent individuals, places, and narratives. Drawn exclusively from the Whitney’s permanent collection, this presentation includes approximately 20 artists, including Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon, Gregory Crewdson, William Eggleston, Nan Goldin, Peter Hujar, Robert Mapplethorpe, Cindy Sherman, Lorna Simpson, and Andy Warhol. 

These artists began working at a time when photography was becoming increasingly integrated into the art world. Technological developments permitted them to use many different photographic processes and to print their works in various sizes, including ones that would create an immersive impact. The photographs included in this exhibition range from seemingly straightforward representations to those with an imaginative or conceptual perspective that challenge traditional notions of photography as revealing a singular reality. 

This selection of works from the permanent collection of the Whitney Museum reveals the strength of the photographic image in the late 20th and early 21st century in the United States. In surprising and inventive ways, the artists included in this presentation have pushed the boundaries of the medium and expanded the role of photography within the history of art. 

This exhibition was organized by the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, and curated by Carrie Springer, assistant curator, Whitney Museum. Additionally, Vantage Points was organized around transformative gifts and promised gifts to the Whitney Museum from Emily Fisher Landau. 

Generous support for this project provided by Art Bridges. 

Banner image: Sally Mann, Sorry Game (detail), 1989, gelatin silver print, image: 19 5/8 × 23 5/16 inches, sheet: 19 15/16 × 23 13/16 inches. Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, gift of The Bohen Foundation, 2002.349. © Sally Mann, image courtesy Whitney Museum of American Art.

Related Programs & Events

Thursday, Dec 17, 2020

Member Preview: Vantage Points

As a valued Museum Member, we invite you to join us for the exclusive opening of our newest exhibition, Vantage Points: Contemporary Photography from the Whitney Museum

Friday, Jan 8, 2021

Humans Interacting: Selections from Vantage Points – VIRTUAL

Join Doris Potash, master docent and Hope Warshaw, touring docent, for an interactive conversation about three artworks in our special exhibition Vantage Points.

Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021

The Photograph as Contemporary Art by Charlotte Cotton – VIRTUAL

This book introduces the extraordinary range of contemporary art photography, from portraits of intimate life to highly staged directorial spectacles.

Thursday, Jan 28, 2021

In Conversation: Robert Longo – VIRTUAL

This virtual program takes place via Zoom. Space is limited; to register, click here. The Museum is thrilled to present a special evening program with

Wednesday, Feb 3, 2021

Art After School (Grades 6–12)

Drawing inspiration from Vantage Points, students are challenged to use photography to explore people, places, and storytelling.

Thursday, Feb 11, 2021

Vantage Points: People, Places, Narratives – VIRTUAL

In this six-part virtual class, dive into the narrative power of photography! Three professional guest photographers join the Museum’s M. Paige Taylor to present their work and to discuss ways to use the medium to express the spirit of a person, place, story, or idea.

Friday, Feb 12, 2021

Different Strokes for Different Folks: Selections from Vantage Points – VIRTUAL

Join Sylvie Horvath, touring docent, for an interactive conversation about three artworks in Vantage Points.

Friday, Feb 19, 2021

Reading Faces: Selections from Vantage Points – VIRTUAL

Join Hank Bovee, touring docent, for an interactive conversation about three artworks in Vantage Points.

Thursday, Feb 25, 2021

Conversation with the Curator: Vantage Points – VIRTUAL

Carrie Springer, the Whitney’s assistant curator and organizing curator of Vantage Points, gives an overview of the exhibition, offers insight into the experience of building the exhibition, and answers questions from the audience.

Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021

Conversation with the Director: Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounters – VIRTUAL

Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounters is a close-up portrait of the acclaimed photographer, filmed with unprecedented access over a decade as he creates his stunning images. For this program, director Ben Shapiro discusses his interest in Crewdson, the process of making the film, and answers questions from the audience.

Saturday, Mar 13, 2021

Photography

MakerSpace is back! Visit our special exhibition Vantage Points: Contemporary Photography from the Whitney Museum of American Art on a scavenger hunt for inspiration, then

See All Related Events

Selected works from the exhibition

Mike and Sky
Catherine Opie, Mike and Sky
Self-Portrait
Robert Mapplethorpe, Self-Portrait
Sorry Game
Sally Mann, Sorry Game
Untitled
Gregory Crewdson, Untitled
Untitled (Baby Doll Cadillac) from the portfolio 10.D.70.V2
William Eggleston, Untitled (Baby Doll Cadillac) from the portfolio 10.D.70.V2

Book a Virtual Visit

Groups of students, adults, and family or friend groups with children are invited to schedule an interactive Virtual Visit to the Museum! Led by volunteer docents with Museum staff, our inquiry-based, conversational Virtual Visits introduce the Museum’s galleries with a 3D tour and challenge visitors to hone their observation skills. Click to learn more about Virtual Visits for students, Virtual Visits for adults, or Virtual Visits for families.

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Location & Hours

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Museum Hours:

Open daily 11am–6pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Pre-purchased online tickets are encouraged; walk-in tickets are also available.
m

Museum Location:

2 South Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801
P

Museum Contact

828.253.3227
[email protected]
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