1900 to Now: SFMOMA's Collection

This presentation of masterworks and experimental pieces from SFMOMA’s collection of painting and sculpture explores themes that have shaped the history of modern art from the early twentieth century to our own time. Organized as a series of chapters, the exhibition focuses on revolutionary ideas, geographical centers, individual artists, and relationships between artists.

Together, the works in 1900 to Now: SFMOMA’s Collection explore the complexities and even contradictions of modern and contemporary art, suggesting new interpretations of the museum’s collection, and examining the passions and beliefs that have spurred artists’ creativity in a rapidly changing world.

Henri Matisse, Femme au chapeau (Woman with a Hat), 1905; collection SFMOMA, bequest of Elise S. Haas; © Succession H. Matisse / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York; photo: Ben Blackwell

Sargent Johnson, Forever Free, 1933; collection SFMOMA, gift of Mrs. E. D. Lederman; © Estate of Sargent Johnson; photo: Don Ross

Dorothea Tanning, Self-Portrait, 1944; collection SFMOMA, purchase, by exchange, through a fractional gift of Shirley Ross Davis; © Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn; photo: Katherine Du Tiel

Raised in West Oakland, Violet Fields’s art practice is rooted in her faith. Her abstracted compositions of irregular geometric shapes and lines in pale pastel feature the twin themes of service and spirituality. In this interview with the artist, she shares how lineage and memory move her to create these works of deep personal reflection.

Witness the artistic journey of Cheryl R. Riley in this short documentary. Discover how San Francisco has influenced her wide-ranging art practice, from furniture design to jewelry making. And join her as she shares insights into her iconic 1996 work, Zulu Renaissance Writing Table for a Lady, now on view in the Open Ended exhibition at SFMOMA.