All or Nothing

Artmaking often begins in the simplest way: a black mark on a white sheet of paper or canvas. The artworks in *All or Nothing* are brought together for their embrace of the visual power of the black-and-white color combination.

While associations such as old photographs or evening attire imbue these seemingly opposite colors with historical and timeless value, black and white continue to be used for their artistic qualities as well, such as the ability to highlight contrast, form, medium, technique, and story. The limited palette allows us to focus on the methods and choices behind making art.

We encourage looking closely to see the full spectrum of artistic decisions in these works. Works by artists included in exhibit Carrie Mae Weems, Alexander Calder, Georgia O’Keeffe, Ellsworth Kelly, Elizabeth Drakeford, Nancy Grossman,

Curatorial Highlight

This show came together when Agnus Gund gifted this Ellsworth Kelly work from 1977 to Crystal Bridges Museum. It’s composition sparked the entire concept of breaking down to opposite, yet totally linked, and principally the same, colors.

All or Nothing was curated by Dylan Turk as Special Projects Editor, Architecture & Design at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This exhibition was produced by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. All of the works featured are in the permanent collection of CBMAA.