Each year, The Block Museum of Art acquires new works to support Northwestern University's teaching mission. The collection anchors exhibitions, class visits, research, and public programs across the university.
This exhibition highlights recent acquisitions made through The Block's annual student-led collecting initiative, led by the Block Museum Student Associates (BMSA) — Northwestern undergraduates from a range of disciplines who serve as tour guides, peer ambassadors, and contributors to museum programming.
Over the course of the academic year, the BMSAs study museum collecting through close looking, research, and conversations with artists, curators, and museum professionals. Their work culminates in the selection of one or more artworks for the permanent collection, guided by a theme the students develop together.
Shown alongside related works already in the collection, these acquisitions reflect the questions and exchanges that shaped the students' choices this year.