Metropolitan Museum of Art Announces 2027 Commissions by Danh Vo and Sandra Mujinga

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced the selection of artists Danh Vo and Sandra Mujinga for its 2027 commissions. Danh Vo will create new works for the museum's Beaux-Arts exterior, with the installation set to be unveiled in September. Sandra Mujinga will present a site-specific installation in the museum's Great Hall, scheduled for November.

Vo's work often explores his personal experience as a Vietnamese boat refugee and interrogates modern history. Mujinga's practice is influenced by Afrofuturism, science fiction, and post-colonialism. Both artists are known for their unique approaches to history and the meaning carried by objects and bodies over time.

Met Director and CEO Max Hollein commented on the selections, highlighting the artists' shared ability to treat history as a living, unsettled entity. The commissions are part of the Met's ongoing efforts to engage with contemporary art and artists who challenge traditional historical narratives.

In related news, the Armenian Museum of America (AMoA) has appointed Sarah Hayes as its new deputy director. Hayes, who has been leading the museum's Development department since 2023, brings a deep understanding of Armenian culture, history, and human rights. Her extensive experience includes serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Armenia and working with the Armenia Tree Project in Los Angeles. At AMoA, she has been instrumental in securing key works for exhibitions and enhancing the institution's financial stability.

The Met Museum's decision to commission Vo and Mujinga underscores the institution's commitment to contemporary art and its role in fostering dialogue about history and culture. The selections reflect a growing trend in major museums to engage with artists who challenge traditional narratives and offer fresh perspectives on historical events and cultural heritage.

CONTEXT: The Metropolitan Museum of Art's decision to commission Danh Vo and Sandra Mujinga for its 2027 Genesis Facade and Great Hall commissions highlights the institution's ongoing efforts to engage with contemporary art and artists who challenge traditional historical narratives. The selections reflect a broader trend in major museums to foster dialogue about history and culture through the work of artists who offer fresh perspectives on historical events and cultural heritage. The Armenian Museum of America's appointment of Sarah Hayes as its new deputy director further underscores the importance of cultural institutions in preserving and promoting cultural heritage and human rights.