Museum Spotlights Profound Dutch Legacy

Alanna Airitam, “Saint Strivers, The Golden Age,” 2017; photography, archival ink print with painted varnish, is part of the Phoenix Art Museum’s ongoing installation, “The Collection: Dutch Art Expanded” (photo courtesy of the artist, © Alanna Airitam).

The Phoenix Art Museum is currently showcasing “The Collection: Dutch Art Expanded,” an exhibition that juxtaposes European art with contemporary works by local Arizona artists. This installation encourages dialogue across diverse cultures and eras.

Dutch art reached its zenith during the Baroque period, specifically from 1610 to 1670. It was characterized by a masterful exploration of light and shadow, allowing artists to reveal their subjects with a new level of vibrancy and realism.

This exhibition features a variety of artworks, including landscape, portrait, interior scenes, and still life pieces, all drawn from the museum’s collection. Notably, it incorporates works by Arizona artists Rachel Bess and Alanna Airitam. Bess’s portraits and still life vanitas artworks reflect the narrative depth of Dutch art, while Airitam’s photography honors Black beauty and examines the contributions of Black individuals during the Dutch Renaissance, particularly in her series “Golden Age” (2017).

By presenting contemporary interpretations alongside historical pieces, “The Collection: Dutch Art Expanded” invites viewers to reassess long-held beliefs about the so-called “Golden Age” of Dutch art.

For those interested in exploring this thought-provoking exhibition, the Phoenix Art Museum is located at 1625 North Central Ave. For additional information, call 602-257-1880 or visit www.phxart.org.