February 19–May 13, 2012,
at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

About the Exhibition

Track the evolution of sport from pastime to spectacle. And see how sports images express ideas about power and politics, culture and race, fans and fanatics.

“The Sports Show” features photographs from the MIA’s collection and other cultural institutions, together with mass media photographs, televisions clips, movies, installations, and videos.

Images from key moments in sports spotlight the artistic and cultural impact of sports media from the birth of photography to the instantaneous playback of the digital age. These are powerful artistic images and objects in their own right; at the same time, they communicate a broader social, political, and cultural significance through the mass spectacle that we know as sports.

A companion exhibition, “The Sports Show: Minnesota,” presents iconic images of hometown teams, games, and players that no true fan will want to miss.

Background image:
Unknown photographer
(American)

Untitled [Floyd Patterson knocking out opponent], c. 1950s

Gelatin silver print
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
Above image:
Kota Ezawa
American (born Germany), born 1969

Brawl, 2008

Digital animation transferred to 16mm film, with soundtrack
4 minutes, 11 seconds
Courtesy the artist and Murray Guy Gallery, New York

Reserve your tickets today

Please call (612) 870-3000
This exhibition has timed tickets; entry every 30 minutes.

This exhibition was organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Generous support is provided by Dorsey & Whitney LLP.
Support of educational programs and outreach activities provided by the Pohlad Family Foundation.
Media Partner:
StarTribune Become a member and receive free passes for unlimited visits!

Tickets

Adults $8
Seniors, Adult groups $6
Children 6-12, $4
Free to museum members, children 5 and under, college students with ID, and children's groups.
The exhibition is free to the public on Target Family Days: Sunday, March 11, Sunday, April 15, and Sunday, May 13, 2012.
General museum admission is always free.
Become a member and receive free passes for unlimited visits!

Reserve your tickets today

Please call (612) 870-3000This exhibition has timed tickets; entry every 30 minutes.

Catalogue

The Sports Show Catalogue

The Sports Show: Athletics as Image and Spectacle

by David Little

The Sports Show features photographs from the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the exhibition's organizer, and from other cultural institutions, together with mass media photographs, television clips, movies, installations, and videos. These memorable sports images provide an alternative view of culture and history over the past three centuries.

Hardcover catalog; 302 pages. $49.95


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