backstory: The story in the quiet things

The paintings you walk past on your way to see the Hopper. Or the Pollock. Or the O’Keeffe. The little bronze sculpture that hides in plain sight. The photograph that doesn’t shout, but waits patiently for someone to stop and really look. Even the outdoor sculpture that blends into the landscape—but it’s there, with quiet power, as you walk or drive by.

Lately, we’ve been spending a lot of time with these quieter works—revisiting them, sitting with them, asking them to tell us something new. It’s part of an exciting new digital project we’re working on behind the scenes—something that will offer a fresh way for visitors to explore the Neuberger and connect with the collection. (More on that soon.)

Every object in our collection tells a powerful story. This new project is helping us reimagine how those stories are shared—especially when staff or volunteers aren’t there to guide the conversation.

Usually, when we write about artworks or exhibitions, the voices you hear are either “the curator” or “the marketer.” One voice gives you history and scholarship; the other gives you the hook. But what if there’s another way in? What if the tone is more like… a smart, curious friend? Someone who doesn’t assume you already know what abstract expressionism is—or what a wall label even does—but still trusts you to feel something real in front of an artwork.

That’s the kind of voice we’re aiming for. One that’s easy to read but hard to forget. One that helps you linger just a little longer in front of that overlooked piece—and maybe even fall in love with it.

Because the magic? It’s already there. Sometimes it just needs a little help being heard.

Tracy Fitzpatrick
Director, Neuberger Museum of Art