Marsden Hartley: Adventurer in the Arts: A Journey Through Modernism, Travel, and Self-Discovery

Marsden Hartley: Adventurer in the Arts © Courtesy of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Marsden Hartley: Adventurer in the Arts: A Journey Through Modernism, Travel, and Self-Discovery

The New Mexico Museum of Art is proud to present Marsden Hartley: Adventurer in the Arts, a groundbreaking exhibition that delves into the life and work of Marsden Hartley (1877–1943), one of the most significant figures in American modernism. Often referred to as the “painter of Maine,” Hartley’s legacy is deeply intertwined with his adventurous spirit, personal experiences, and the diverse places he called home. Throughout his life, Hartley traveled widely, and his encounters with different cultures, landscapes, and people profoundly influenced his distinctive artistic vision.

This exhibition highlights the powerful ways in which Hartley’s experiences as an explorer of both the world and the soul shaped his remarkable body of work.

Opening April 5, 2025, Marsden Hartley: Adventurer in the Arts is a collaborative effort between the Vilcek Foundation and the Bates College Museum of Art, with the New Mexico Museum of Art showcasing this extraordinary collection of more than 40 paintings, drawings, and personal artifacts.

Spanning over three decades of Hartley’s career, the exhibition presents a deep and intimate look into the artist’s evolution, from his early explorations of European modernism to his later works rooted in the landscapes of New England. Featured prominently in the exhibition is Schiff (1915), a pivotal piece from Hartley’s time in Germany that will be displayed in the United States for only the second time. This rare opportunity allows audiences to experience firsthand one of Hartley’s most significant European works. Along with the pieces from the Vilcek and Bates collections, three important paintings from the New Mexico Museum of Art’s own holdings will be on display, offering a complete picture of Hartley’s diverse and dynamic artistic journey.

“This exhibition offers a unique and personal glimpse into Marsden Hartley’s life and work,” said NMMOA Executive Director Dr. Mark White. “By examining his stunning paintings alongside the personal objects that he kept throughout his life, we gain an understanding of the deep connection he had to the places he visited. These objects, including photographs, postcards, and mementos, reveal how travel and exploration were not only central to Hartley’s art but were also formative in his development as an artist.”

Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see Hartley’s personal items, such as pressed flowers, letters, and photographs, displayed alongside his iconic paintings. These artifacts provide fascinating insight into Hartley’s experiences on his travels and offer a new lens through which to appreciate the personal meanings embedded in his art. The exhibition brings together these mementos and his paintings to explore how the places he journeyed—whether in Europe, New Mexico, or Maine— shaped his artistic identity and creative process.

Marsden Hartley: Adventurer in the Arts will resonate not only with art lovers but also with history enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone captivated by the intersection of creative expression and exploration. The exhibition invites visitors to witness how one man’s search for meaning and inspiration led him to embrace the world in all its complexity, transforming it into a rich visual language that continues to speak to audiences today. Through his works and personal objects, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with Hartley’s lifelong quest for artistic and personal discovery.

This exhibition promises to be an unforgettable experience, showcasing a diverse selection of artworks and personal artifacts that allow us to step into the world of an artist who lived at the crossroads of modernism, travel, and self-exploration.