Guggenheim Museum Announces Major New Exhibition by Artist Simon

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City has announced a significant new exhibition titled “Father Country I Do Love You” (2026). This project represents the first monographic rotunda presentation by a photography-based artist in the museum’s history. It also stands as the largest debut of new work ever hosted by the institution. The exhibition is scheduled to run through March 14, 2027. Nearly a decade in the making, the project is described as the most expansive and personal work by the artist known as Simon to date. The collection features 42 individual artworks that blend photography, text, video, and sculpture. These pieces trace the life of an unnamed federal agent whose work as a middleman involved witnessing global events and gathering evidence. The narrative explores how this individual's actions rippled outward to affect the lives of people and nations he never knew. The exhibition is dedicated to the artist's father, who served the United States government in Thailand. During his career, the father traveled extensively to countries including Russia, Iran, Israel, China, Afghanistan, and Korea. Following his government service, he embarked on a second career manufacturing and selling arcade games. This personal history serves as the foundation for the themes explored in the installation. The works featured in “Father Country I Do Love You” will be added to the Guggenheim’s permanent collection. The museum already holds three other pieces by Simon, further cementing his relationship with the institution. To accompany the exhibition, the museum will co-publish an artist book in partnership with Hatje Cantz. The exhibition was organized by curator Nat Trotman. The project was originally initiated by former artistic director Nancy Spector. Simon is currently represented by the galleries Gagosian and Almine Rech. The presentation is expected to draw significant attention due to its scale and the unique nature of the artist's storytelling approach. This exhibition arrives at a time when many cultural institutions are re-evaluating how they present personal and political narratives. By focusing on the life of a federal agent, the show invites viewers to consider the intersection of individual experience and global history. The use of multiple mediums allows for a layered exploration of these complex themes. The Guggenheim’s rotunda is known for its challenging and iconic architectural space. Presenting a photography-based exhibition in this area is a notable departure from traditional displays. It highlights the museum's commitment to showcasing contemporary artists who push the boundaries of their chosen mediums. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to engage with the work through the end of the exhibition period in early 2027. The inclusion of text and video alongside photography is intended to provide a deeper context for the visual elements. This multi-disciplinary approach is a hallmark of the artist's recent practice. As the exhibition opens, it joins a series of major cultural events taking place in the United States throughout 2026. The art world continues to monitor how such large-scale projects influence public discourse and museum programming. The Guggenheim remains a central hub for these types of significant artistic contributions. For those interested in the intersection of art and history, this exhibition offers a unique perspective on the 20th and 21st centuries. It bridges the gap between personal family memory and the broader, often hidden, mechanisms of international affairs. The museum expects the show to be a highlight of its current season.