This focus exhibition of nine works explores the relationship between burning fossil fuels—namely, coal—and the emergence of European modernism. Drawing on research conducted by climate scientists and art historians, the exhibition presents a range of paintings and works on paper by Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, James McNeill Whistler, and others to explore the ways that their artistic practices and style emerged, in part, in response to widespread pollution in London and Paris.

Curated by Kevin Tervala, BMA Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown Chief Curator

Presented as part of the Turn Again to the Earth environmental initiative.