The year 2004 in art was marked by significant institutional developments, a thriving global art market, and the passing of several iconic figures. It saw the reopening of a major museum after a transformative expansion, the continued prominence of international biennials, and the recognition of diverse artistic practices through prestigious awards.
Major Events and Milestones
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Reopening: On November 20, 2004, the Museum of Modern Art in New York reopened its expanded and renovated building. Designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, the $425 million project significantly increased the museum's gallery space, creating a new experience for visitors and solidifying MoMA's position as a leading institution for modern and contemporary art.
- 26th Bienal de São Paulo: Held from September 25 to December 19, 2004, the Bienal was curated by Alfons Hug under the theme "Territories Free, Free Territories." It presented a diverse range of international and Brazilian artists, reaffirming its role as one of the most important art events in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Manifesta 5: The European Biennial of Contemporary Art, Manifesta 5, took place in Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain, from June 11 to September 30, 2004. Curated by Marta Kuzma and Massimiliano Gioni, it explored themes of national identity, globalization, and artistic practice in relation to specific local contexts.
- 9th International Architecture Exhibition, Venice Biennale: While the main Art Biennale typically occurs in odd-numbered years, 2004 saw the Architecture Biennale, curated by Kurt W. Forster, under the title "Metamorph." This exhibition explored the evolving nature of architecture in response to global changes.
Key Exhibitions
- "Gilbert & George: The Dirty Words Pictures" at Tate Modern, London.
- "Henri Matisse: Paper Cut-Outs" (various international venues, including MoMA prior to its full reopening).
- "Frida Kahlo: The Blue House" at Tate Modern, London.
- "Jasper Johns: An Allegory of Painting, 1955-2003" at the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., and later at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Awards and Prizes
- Turner Prize: Awarded to British artist Jeremy Deller for his work including "Memory Bucket" (2003), a documentary about George W. Bush's hometown in Texas and the Iraq War, and his large-scale installation "The Battle of Orgreave" (2001).
- Hugo Boss Prize: Awarded to Thai artist Rirkrit Tiravanija for his participatory and socially engaged art practices, which often involve cooking and serving food to audiences.
Art Market Trends
- The contemporary art market continued its strong growth trend, with increasing demand for works by established and emerging artists.
- Record prices were achieved at auction for several contemporary and post-war artists, signaling a booming investment climate in the art world.
- The expansion of major international art fairs and the proliferation of smaller, regional fairs underscored the globalized nature of art commerce.
Notable Deaths
- August 3 – Henri Cartier-Bresson (95), influential French photographer, co-founder of Magnum Photos, widely considered the father of photojournalism.
- August 9 – Leon Golub (82), American painter known for his monumental and often brutal figurative paintings addressing themes of power, violence, and war.
- October 1 – Richard Avedon (81), highly acclaimed American fashion and portrait photographer.
- December 16 – Agnes Martin (92), Canadian-American abstract painter, known for her minimalist grid-based paintings and subtle exploration of line, form, and color.