ART News:
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Museum of Art Vladem Contemporary is presenting Lucy R. Lippard: Notes from the Radical Whirlwind, a dynamic exhibition honoring the life and legacy of writer, activist, and curator Lucy R. Lippard (b.1937)—one of the most influential figures in contemporary art and cultural activism over the last 60 years.
From her early days as a young Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) staffer navigating the halls of modern art history to her role as a fierce advocate for social justice, Lippard has remained a visionary force, reshaping the art world from the inside out. This exhibition draws from a trove of over 500 artworks, artist books, political posters, and ephemera, gifts from artists, collaborators, and fellow agitators who have shaped and shared in her journey.
Spanning two galleries, Notes from the Radical Whirlwindcharts Lippard’s evolution from a sharp-eyed curator and critic to a leading voice for feminist and activist art. Visitors will trace her collaborations with now-legendary artists such as Sol LeWitt (1928-2007) and Robert Ryman (1930-2019), and her groundbreaking contributions to groups like Printed Matter, the Art Workers’ Coalition, and the Heresies Collective, organizations that have redefined the role of the artist as an agent of change.
“Lucy Lippard didn’t just write about revolutions in art, she helped start them,” said Alexandra Terry, Curator of Contemporary Art. “Her life’s work reminds us that culture and activism are deeply intertwined, and that art can be a catalyst for meaningful transformation.”
A longtime resident of New Mexico, Lippard’s deep connection to the local landscape and community is also central to the exhibition. Her writings and initiatives have explored the region’s layered histories and archaeological sites, reinforcing her belief in the importance of place-based knowledge and activism.
Originally sparked by the national touring exhibition Sniper’s Nest: Art That Has Lived with Lucy Lippard in 1999, this new presentation at the Vladem Contemporary reintroduces audiences to a bold and enduring legacy, one that continues to ripple through the art world and beyond.
Exhibition Dates: Oct. 10, 2025, through Aug. 9, 2026.
About The New Mexico Museum of Art
The New Mexico Museum of Art is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. Programs and exhibits are supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and its donors. The mission of the Museum of Art is to create authentic experiences that foster a deeper understanding and enjoyment of art throughout our state. With a collection of more than 20,000 pieces of work, the museum brings the art of the world to New Mexico and the art of New Mexico to the world.