A twisted hairpin, a brushstroke on blank canvas, a colorful clay pot — in modern art, everyday objects and people take on new symbolism.
Former Penn Institute of Contemporary Art director Claudia Gould advocated this principle. However, she has now taken her expertise to the Jewish Museum in New York, a move that was announced in August.
Over the next few weeks, an interim director will be appointed by the Office of the Provost which will also kickstart its search for a permanent leader for the ICA, according to Leo Charney, a spokesman for the Provost’s office.
The Institute of Contemporary Art, located on 36th and Sansom streets, was founded in 1963 with the mission to inform and inspire through art. Only two years after its establishment, the ICA hosted Andy Warhol’s first museum show. It now showcases around eight art exhibitions a year.
Gould served at the ICA for 12 years and was instrumental in shaping the institution. “During her tenure here it’s been amazing how much she and our board have been able to grow the budget and always manage to balance it at year’s end,” ICA Marketing and Communications director Jill Katz said. “She grew it not only in staff but in budget, exhibitions and programs,” Katz added.
“Although I am moving on to new challenges, I will miss the energy of ICA and the freedom the University has afforded us to pursue excellence on our own terms,” Gould said in a statement. She was also hopeful that the institute would “move forward in new, unexpected and fruitful directions.”
Gould said farewell to the ICA at its fall opening on Sept. 7.
“I’m not sure how the ICA will change after she leaves for the Jewish Museum, but I think she has left an indelible mark on the institution,” wrote Wharton and College junior David Galperin, a member of the ICA student advisory council, which aims to raise awareness about contemporary art among students.
Free exhibitions will continue throughout the year and the ICA Student Advisory Council will organize events catered to Penn students.
Coming up soon is a free-for-all exhibition on Sept. 21 with snacks, DJs and a hands-on art project. Senior Curator Ingrid Schaffer will give a lecture on the definition of contemporary art.
College junior and ICA Student Advisory Council member Echo Thomas encouraged all students interested in art to attend.
