The Metropolitan Museum of Art's biennial employee art exhibition, "Art Work: Artists Working at The Met," offers a unique glimpse into the creative talents of the museum's staff. This long-standing tradition, dating back to 1935, showcases diverse artworks from over 450 employees across various departments, ranging from security guards to curators, and has recently opened to the public for the first time in its history.
The exhibition showcases a diverse array of unique pieces, reflecting the creativity and talent of Met employees. Standout works include a self-portrait crafted entirely from recycled security guard uniforms, featuring 27 stars cut from white shirts to represent years of service. Other notable pieces include Rachel High's monster-themed vessels created from tin cans and glass jars, enhanced with clay and resin-coated eyes. The show also features a papier-mâché head made of museum brochures, a Lego rendering of Van Gogh's Starry Night, and sculptures crafted from reused materials like salad dressing bottles. This eclectic mix of artworks spans various mediums, from traditional paintings and photographs to digital installations and intricate handcrafted pieces, showcasing the versatility and ingenuity of the Met's staff.
Daniel Kershaw, who has directed the exhibition for over two decades, employs a unique curatorial approach that balances inclusivity with thematic coherence. His process involves:
Identifying common threads among diverse submissions to create cohesive groupings
Arranging pieces thematically, such as placing landscapes together
Including every submitted artwork, maintaining the exhibition's inclusive tradition
Working after hours with other staff members to install the show
Kershaw notes that themes vary year to year, reflecting current artistic trends. For instance, the 2022 exhibition showed a notable decrease in certain subjects, such as nudity, possibly influenced by the pandemic. This curatorial strategy not only showcases the breadth of talent within the Met but also creates a dynamic, ever-evolving exhibition that reflects the zeitgeist of the museum's creative community.
The exhibition fosters a unique sense of community and pride among Met employees, with many feeling both vulnerable and honored to showcase their talents alongside their professional roles. Participation spans across departments, from security guards to conservators, breaking down workplace barriers and revealing hidden artistic abilities. This creative outlet has a profound impact on employee morale, bringing staff closer together and generating renewed enthusiasm. Many participants view their inclusion in the show as a lasting achievement that makes their families proud, while also providing an opportunity to receive feedback and appreciation from colleagues.
Since its inception in 1935, the Met's employee art show has undergone a significant transformation in terms of public access. For decades, the exhibition was shrouded in secrecy, with guards forbidden to discuss it with the press and access limited to employees and their guests. This private nature sparked controversy, with some artists arguing that it defeated the purpose of showcasing art. A historic shift occurred in 2022 when the exhibition opened to the public for the first time. This change not only addressed long-standing concerns about accessibility but also provided visitors with a rare opportunity to appreciate the artistic talents of the individuals who maintain one of the world's most prestigious cultural institutions. The public opening has since become an annual tradition, allowing art enthusiasts to explore the creative side of the Met's diverse workforce.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s biennial employee art exhibition, “Art Work: Artists Working at The Met,” is a testament to the boundless creativity and hidden talents of its diverse staff. From its roots as a private, employee-only event to its current status as a public showcase, the exhibition bridges the gap between professional roles and artistic expression, allowing visitors to glimpse the humanity behind the museum’s operations. Through works that range from poignant personal statements to playful and inventive creations, the show reflects the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation, collaboration and individuality. By opening its doors to the public, the Met has transformed this once-hidden tradition into a celebration of community, art, and inclusion, inviting all to marvel at the incredible artistry thriving within its walls. In doing so, it challenges us to reimagine the potential for creativity in every corner of our lives, proving that art can flourish anywhere—even behind the scenes of one of the world’s greatest cultural institutions.
‘Art Work’ is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, November 18 - December 1, 2024
