Tate Modern Receives Joan Mitchell's 'Iva' as Part of Landmark Donation

On April 3, 2025, Tate Modern in London unveiled a significant addition to its collection: "Iva," a monumental 1973 triptych by American abstract expressionist Joan Mitchell. This 20-foot-long painting, characterized by bold strokes of purple, red, yellow, and white, was named after Mitchell's beloved German Shepherd. The artwork was donated by Miami-based philanthropists Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez, marking one of the most substantial gifts to the museum in recent years. Prior to the donation, "Iva" had been displayed in the Pérez family's Miami home. The couple's contribution also includes a multimillion-dollar endowment to support curatorial positions focused on African and Latin American art, aligning with Tate's efforts to diversify its collection. The painting is now exhibited adjacent to Mark Rothko's Seagram Murals, facilitating a dialogue between two prominent figures of abstract expressionism.

Joan Mitchell (1925–1992) was a leading figure in the American abstract expressionist movement. Her work is celebrated for its emotive use of color and dynamic brushwork. "Iva," painted in 1973, is a monumental oil on canvas triptych measuring 110 1/4 x 236 inches (280.035 x 599.44 cm). The painting is named after Mitchell's German Shepherd dog, Iva, who was a significant companion during her time in Vétheuil, France. This work was the first in a cycle of paintings created at her newly acquired house in Vétheuil, reflecting the influence of her surroundings and personal experiences.

Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez, prominent Miami-based philanthropists and art collectors, donated "Iva" to Tate Modern. The couple has a history of significant contributions to the arts, including over $100 million to the Pérez Art Museum Miami, which was renamed in their honor in 2013. Their donation to Tate also includes a multimillion-dollar endowment to support curatorial positions focused on African and Latin American art. This endowment aims to enhance Tate's efforts in diversifying its collection and supporting research in these areas.

"Iva" is now displayed at Tate Modern adjacent to Mark Rothko's Seagram Murals, creating a dialogue between two significant abstract expressionist works. Tate Director Maria Balshaw described the donation as "transformational" and an "act of incredible generosity." She emphasized that Mitchell's work had been underappreciated during her lifetime and that this addition significantly rebalances the museum's representation of artists from that period.

The donation of "Iva" to Tate Modern has several social and societal implications:

• Diversification of Art Collections: The inclusion of "Iva" and the endowment for African and Latin American art curatorship align with broader efforts to diversify art collections, moving beyond a historical focus on Western male artists.

• Public Accessibility: By donating a significant work to a public institution, the Pérez family ensures that "Iva" is accessible to a wider audience, fostering greater public engagement with abstract expressionist art.

• Recognition of Female Artists: The acquisition highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of female artists like Joan Mitchell, who were often underappreciated during their lifetimes.

"Iva" was exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art from March to May 1974. It was sold by the Xavier Fourcade gallery to the Prudential Insurance Company of America in 1978 and subsequently acquired by the city of Jacksonville, Florida. The city donated it to the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville in 2006. The painting was sold at Christie's in New York on May 18, 2018, for $3,252,500. It was then acquired by the Pérez family before being donated to Tate in 2025.

The donation of Joan Mitchell's "Iva" to Tate Modern by Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez represents a significant moment in the art world, highlighting the importance of philanthropy in diversifying and enriching public art collections. It also underscores the evolving recognition of female artists' contributions to major art movements and the ongoing efforts to make art more accessible to diverse audiences.