Gordon M. Smith served as the eighth Director of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery (1955-1973).
Fifty years ago this month, Smith wrote a brief yet compelling article for ArtNews titled, "The Brave Buffalo," in which he clearly asserted the core mission of the Gallery to be one of the most daring and enthusiastic collections of contemporary art.
Smith announced publicly his position that contemporary art had its place in American museums when he stated the following:
"The vitality, the intensity, the power, and the range of expression in this mid-century art of ours is the most exciting development in the art world today, and it deserves, I feel, serious recognition as such. The museum of today has more than ever before a duty to act as patron to these artists who are making history--not after they have made it, but while they are making it."
To read the original article:
Smith, Gordon M. "The Brave Buffalo." ArtNews 56 (May 1957): p. 32-3; 70.
A brief reprint of a portion of this article may also be found in the most recent issue of ArtNews:
"Art Talk: ArtNews Retrospective: 50 Years Ago." ArtNews 106 (May 2007): p. 54.
Monday, May 7, 2007
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