Imagination at Work: The Kirk Edward Long Gift

This exhibition is drawn from one of the foremost collections of 16th-century prints in the United States. It emphasizes how creative imagination and fantasy have shaped some of the most influential artistic movements, focusing on 16th-century Mannerism and 20th-century Surrealism. Over 30 prints and a selection of paintings explore forces of nature, life and afterlife, and the power of imagination. Within this, subjects range from mythology and biblical stories to dreams and nightmares. These extraordinary examples of early modern European prints demonstrate the spread of Mannerism across Europe. This laid the foundation for modernism and the fantastical compositions of Federico Castellòn and José Hernández. This exhibition celebrates the transformative gift of works on paper, classical and European sculptures, and paintings from Bay Area collector Kirk Edward Long.