Almost all institutions own a lot more art than they can ever show, much of it revealing for its timeliness, genius, or sheer weirdness.

Jerry Saltz

 

The Quote in Other Words

Most establishments possess a surplus of artwork that exceeds their display capacity, with a significant portion of it being noteworthy for its relevance, brilliance, or eccentricity.

 

Explanation of the Quote

This quote highlights the abundance of art owned by institutions that often goes unseen by the public eye. The art may possess qualities that are relevant to the current time, showcase exceptional talent, or simply be bizarre. The fact that these pieces are not displayed raises questions about the purpose of collecting art. Is it solely for the purpose of ownership or is it to share with the public? Additionally, the quote suggests that institutions may need to reevaluate their approach to displaying art and consider alternative methods such as rotating exhibits or creating virtual galleries. Ultimately, the quote emphasizes the importance of making art accessible to the public and the need for institutions to actively engage with their collections.