March 27, 2026 - September 6, 2026
Located in the Tobin Exhibition Galleries, Sculpture Gallery, Frost Octagon, Lang Galleries
Explore the dynamic growth of the McNay Art Museum’s holdings with untitled: 20 Years of Collecting Contemporary Art. The exhibition of more than 100 works, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos and installations, demonstrates the McNay’s dedication to contemporary art and celebrates the influential tenure of former head of curatorial affairs, René Paul Barilleaux. Barilleaux, who retired from the McNay in September after two decades of service, helped shape the Museum’s collection through the acquisition of more than 200 works.
The exhibition presents unexpected pairings by organizing objects according to the seven elements of art — line, shape, color, form, texture, value and space — and one principle of design — pattern. Visitors will find works by established and emerging artists in the galleries and on Museum grounds. Many of the artists have ties to San Antonio and several have longstanding relationships with the McNay.
The collection’s growth in the areas of modern and contemporary art was made possible through years of support from a wide community of donors, patrons and contemporary art enthusiasts. This generous support assisted in acquiring important works by women and artists of color, as well as art by emerging and regionally recognized artists.
untitled: 20 Years of Collecting Contemporary Art is organized for the McNay Art Museum by René Paul Barilleaux, former Head of Curatorial Affairs. Major funding is most generously provided by the Joan and Herb Kelleher Foundation. Lead funding is provided by the Arthur and Jane Stieren Fund for Exhibitions. Additional support is provided by the Richter Responsibility Fund; and Semmes Foundation, Inc. Special thanks to the exhibition Host Committee.
René Paul Barilleaux retired as Head of Curatorial Affairs in September 2025. During his 20-year tenure, the Museum strengthened its postwar and contemporary art collections and developed new focus areas, including photo-based artworks and installation art. Barilleaux’s acquisitions included works by established and emerging talent, including pieces by Deborah Butterfield, John Chamberlain, vanessa german, Sam Gilliam, Martine Gutierrez, Whitfield Lovell, Kiki Smith, Carrie Mae Weems and others including all of the artists featured in the exhibition. Barilleaux joined the McNay in 2005 as Curator of Art after 1945 and served as Chief Curator for 10 years before he was named Head of Curatorial Affairs in 2017.