Guggenheim Museum Announces Landmark Exhibition by Taryn Simon

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City has announced a major upcoming exhibition titled “Father Country I Do Love You” by artist Taryn Simon. The project, which has been in development for nearly a decade, is scheduled to run through March 14, 2027. It represents a significant milestone for the institution as the first monographic presentation by a photography-based artist to occupy the museum’s entire main rotunda space. This exhibition is described as the largest debut of new work ever presented at the Guggenheim. The expansive project consists of 42 individual artworks that blend photography, text, video, and sculpture. The narrative traces the life of an unnamed federal agent whose work as a middleman involved witnessing events and collecting evidence. According to the museum, the agent's actions had far-reaching consequences that rippled into the lives of people and nations across the globe. Taryn Simon dedicated the exhibition to her father, who worked for the United States government in Thailand. During his career, he traveled extensively to countries including Russia, Iran, Israel, China, Afghanistan, and Korea. Following his government service, he embarked on a second career focused on the manufacturing and sale of arcade games. The exhibition is organized by curator Nat Trotman and was initiated by former artistic director Nancy Spector. The works featured in the show will eventually enter the Guggenheim’s permanent collection, which already houses three other pieces by the artist. To accompany the exhibition, the museum will co-publish an artist book in partnership with Hatje Cantz. Mariët Westermann, the director and CEO of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, noted the importance of the museum's collection in a recent statement. She described the institution's holdings as uniquely local and global, with a focus on the region while maintaining works from every continent. This exhibition is expected to further that mission by bringing a complex, personal narrative to a wide audience. The artist is currently represented by the galleries Gagosian and Almine Rech. The announcement has drawn attention from the international art community due to the scale of the installation and the unique nature of the artist's work. It serves as a notable addition to the 2026 and 2027 cultural calendar in New York. This presentation highlights the evolving role of photography and lens-based media within major art institutions. By dedicating the entire rotunda to a single artist's vision, the Guggenheim is providing a platform for a deep, immersive experience. The project invites viewers to consider the intersection of personal history and global political events. As the museum prepares for the opening, staff members are working to ensure the installation meets the technical requirements of such a large-scale debut. The inclusion of text and sculpture alongside photography suggests a multidisciplinary approach to storytelling. This variety is intended to help visitors engage with the complex themes of the agent's life and the broader historical context. The Guggenheim has a long history of hosting groundbreaking exhibitions that challenge traditional boundaries of art. By focusing on a project that spans nearly ten years of research and creation, the museum emphasizes the value of long-term artistic inquiry. The collaboration with international partners and publishers further underscores the global reach of the project. Visitors to the museum can expect a comprehensive look at the artist's process and the specific stories behind the 42 artworks. The exhibition is designed to be both a personal tribute and a broader commentary on the nature of evidence and memory. It remains a highly anticipated event for those interested in contemporary art and photography.