In many ways, this visit to MoMA felt like a full-circle moment—connecting the aspirations of my youth with the work I am privileged to do today. Through it all, the art remains a constant, a reminder of the power of creativity to transcend time, place, and culture.

New York, N.Y. – Forty-five years ago, fresh out of college and eager to immerse myself in the vibrant culture of New York City, I made my way to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). It was one of my first stops in this city that I would come to love so deeply.

At MoMA, I stood in awe as I encountered, in person, the very pieces I had studied on slides in my art history courses—Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain (the infamous urinal) and his iconic Bicycle Wheel perched atop a wooden stool. Seeing these masterpieces up close again was nothing short of incredible.

This week, I had the pleasure of revisiting MoMA, but this time, my experience was enriched by the company of a remarkable friend and collaborator, Mumtaz Hussain.

Mumtaz, a Pakistani American filmmaker, playwright, and poet, possesses a unique artistic vision that never fails to inspire. He will be our foundation’s 2025 artist-in-residence, and this visit provided us with an opportunity to connect deeply with the art that has shaped our perspectives—and to dream of the future.

Walking through the halls of MoMA with Mumtaz was like seeing the museum anew.

His insights into the works we encountered—whether it was Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, or Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans—added layers of meaning to these already iconic pieces.

His perspectives as an artist and a global citizen, coupled with his deep understanding of both Eastern and Western art traditions, made our visit a truly transformative experience.

Our conversations meandered through the galleries, touching on the significance of these works and their relevance to the world today. We paused to admire Jackson Pollock’s energetic One: Number 31, 1950, and Frida Kahlo’s poignant Self-Portrait with Cropped Hair.

As we stood before Duchamp’s Bicycle Wheel, a work that had so deeply impacted me decades ago, we found ourselves discussing the continuing influence of Dadaism on contemporary art and the importance of maintaining spaces where radical ideas can flourish.

Our day at MoMA wasn’t just about admiring the past; it was also about planning for the future. As we moved between the exhibitions of Warhol and Dalí, we discussed the possibility of staging a full production of Mumtaz’s play next spring here in New York.

Our ideas flowed as freely as the conversation, and by the time we took a break for refreshments—coffee for me, tea for him—we had fine-tuned many of the details.

Our dialogue shifted effortlessly from logistics to broader topics, including the role of community galleries and the critical importance of ensuring that art remains accessible to all, both locally and internationally.

Returning to the office, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. It is a privilege to live in a city like New York, where institutions like MoMA offer unparalleled cultural experiences.

Even more rewarding is knowing that our foundation is surrounded by such incredible expertise and artistic vision.

With Mumtaz Hussain as our artist-in-residence for 2025, I am excited for the collaborations and projects that lie ahead. His artistry, combined with his global perspective, will undoubtedly enrich our work and inspire the next generation of young leaders.

In many ways, this visit to MoMA felt like a full-circle moment—connecting the aspirations of my youth with the work I am privileged to do today. Through it all, the art remains a constant, a reminder of the power of creativity to transcend time, place, and culture.

And with visionary leaders like Mumtaz, we continue to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and, most importantly, keep the spirit of innovation alive.

Full Circle: Revisiting MoMA with Visionary Artist Mumtaz Hussain (Aug. 9, 2024)

#MoMA #ArtInNYC #MumtazHussain #GlobalArt #ContemporaryArt #Duchamp #Warhol #Picasso #YoungGlobalLeaders #CulturalExchange

TAGS: MoMA, New York City, Art, Museum, Contemporary Art, Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Mumtaz Hussain, Cultural Institutions, Global Leadership, Young Leaders, Artistic Residency

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