PROVIDENCE, RI.- The RISD Museum announced a significant gift of 52 works of painting, sculpture, textiles, clothing, prints, drawings, and photographs from artist and collector Jolie Stahl. The gift expands the museum’s collections considerably and introduces works by John Ahearn, Rosemarie Beck, Edward Biberman, Lois Dodd, Mike Kelley, Louisa Matthíasdóttir, Ann Messner, and Bob Thompson. Additional works by Nan Goldin, Philip Guston, and Kiki Smith strengthen the RISD Museum’s holdings of those artists already in the collection. Included are Ms. Stahl’s own paintings, mosaics, textiles, and photographs including her prints from Black Pilgrimage to Islam (Oxford, 2002) published in collaboration with her husband, anthropologist Robert Dannin.

“The works donated by Jolie will make an immediate impact on numerous areas of the collection, adding strength to the representation of 20th Century modern and contemporary artists in particular,” states Dominic Molon, Interim Chief Curator and Richard Brown Baker Curator of Contemporary Art. “Perhaps the most exciting and definitive aspect of this gift is how it reflects the close relationships that Jolie and her family have maintained with artists and designers throughout their lives–a legacy that has a particular poignance and relevance given the museum’s connection to the school of art and design.”

Museum Director Tsugumi Maki adds, "We are deeply grateful to Jolie and her family for their extraordinary gift. Their generous donation is an impactful addition to the collection, highlighting the museum's commitment to showcasing art and design history, the artist's journey, and the creative process."

The wide range of textile and clothing designs donated to the Costumes and Textiles department speaks to Stahl’s unique perspective as an artist – particularly in terms of an appreciation for the complex interactions of color and pattern: highlights include bespoke garments featuring her own screen-printed patterns developed from early American gravestone rubbings, as well as an exciting group of African wax print textiles that significantly fleshes out the museum’s representation of such textiles produced in Africa for the African and African-American markets.

Stahl’s gifts on paper likewise reflect her vision as an artist, collector, and friend. In addition to significant examples of works on paper by Amadeo Modigliani, Marcel Vertès, and Carl van Vechten, Stahl has given the museum vintage prints of Robert Capa’s most famous photograph, The Falling Soldier, and Nan Goldin’s Me on top of my lover from The Ballad of Sexual Dependency. Additionally, her gift reflects her personal relationships with other artists, such as the artist’s multiple Notepad with Uterus she produced with Kiki Smith.

An illustrated catalog featuring texts by Maki; Molon; Kate Irvin, Curator of Costume and Textiles; Conor Moynihan, Associate Curator of Prints, Drawings and Photographs; and Maureen O’Brien, Curator of Painting and Sculpture, will be produced to celebrate the gift.