P.S.1's '1969' exhibition examines MoMA's collection and late 1960s avant-garde through historical lens

Between October 25, 2009, and April 5, 2010, the P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center showcased '1969,' under the curation of Neville Wakefield, Michelle Elligott, and Eva Respini. This exhibition highlighted artworks from 1969 sourced from the Museum of Modern Art's collection, focusing on MoMA's acquisition trends. In contrast to the Whitney Museum's 2008 exhibition 'Summer of Love,' '1969' presented a more somber perspective on avant-garde movements, emphasizing de-materialization and the intersection of art and life. Notable pieces included Carl Andre's floor installation, Donald Judd's box, and video works by Bruce Nauman and Walter De Maria. The exhibition addressed the lack of representation of female and black artists, showcasing archival materials alongside contemporary commissions, while exploring the conflicts between institutional duty and revolutionary ideals.