Today’s West

Today’s West

Mezzanine Level Overlooking the Hub

Today’s West brings a fresh lens to the American West with modern stylized artwork selected from the Whitney Western Art Museum’s collection. This collection spans from the late 1900’s to the current day and, while their subjects—landscapes, communities, and wildlife of the West—remain familiar, their approaches are not as traditional. Modern techniques, diverse styles, and current themes distinguish these pieces from earlier representations. 

Contemporary creators contribute to the artistic legacy of the West in a variety of ways. Some continue to explore realistic imagery rooted in the traditions of 19th- and 20th-century European and American art. Others draw deeply from Native cultural traditions and aesthetics.  Still these artists engage with world-wide artistic movements—embracing abstraction, elements of pop culture, or experimenting with unconventional materials and methods. 

By innovating, adapting, and responding to the changing world around them, contemporary artists help expand definitions of Western American art. Their work calls us to contemplate the American West anew. 

A Sampling of Some of the Artwork on Display in Today’s West