Philbrook Museum of Art announced on March 26 a series of recent acquisitions featuring works by artists such as Édouard Vuillard, Jeffrey Gibson, and Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn. The museum said these additions span more than 150 years and include paintings, video art, sculpture, textiles, and design pieces.
The announcement is significant for the Philbrook collection as it seeks to broaden its representation of diverse voices and artistic practices. These acquisitions allow the museum to deepen its narrative about art’s evolution across different cultures and eras.
Among the highlights is a painting by French artist Édouard Vuillard titled “Yvonne Printemps on the Sofa” from 1919-21. Vuillard said, “I don’t paint portraits. I paint people in their homes.” The work features Yvonne Printemps, a well-known singer and actress in early twentieth-century France. Former director of the Musée d’Orsay Guy Cogeval called this painting “A stunning masterpiece.”
Another notable addition is Jeffrey Gibson’s multi-channel video installation “She Never Dances Alone,” which honors Indigenous matriarchs through a depiction of the jingle dress dance. Also acquired is Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn’s sculpture “Blast,” made from deactivated artillery shells found in Vietnam—transforming remnants of war into art that symbolizes renewal.
Additional contemporary works now part of Philbrook’s collection include pieces by Louisiana Pettway Bendolph, Daisy Patton, Lorrie Garcia, Bradley Wood, Tom Jones (Ho-Chunk), Katsuyuki Nishijima, Tiffany & Co., Amelia Bennett, Aestean Pettway Young, Andy DuCett, Tony Abeyta (Diné), among others.
Philbrook President and CEO Megan Nesbit said: “I am excited to bring these works into our collection, the core of how we connect with the community. We want our guests to visit often…and be constantly surprised and inspired by new artists.” Stephen J. Heyman, Philbrook Trustee and Collections Committee Chair added: “Our goal is for the Philbrook collection to reflect the beauty and complexity of the human experience through a range of voices.”
As it approaches its centennial celebration in 2027, Philbrook plans to continue expanding its holdings with even more significant works.
