Tate Modern has unveiled a spectacular new addition to its collection with the arrival of Iva (1973), a towering six-metre triptych by Abstract Expressionist pioneer Joan Mitchell. The painting, gifted by esteemed Miami collectors and philanthropists Jorge M. and Darlene Pérez, now takes pride of place in a gallery adjacent to Mark Rothko’s Seagram Murals, offering visitors an unprecedented dialogue between two giants of American post-war painting.
This donation marks a significant milestone for Tate, not only expanding its holdings of Mitchell’s work but also celebrating the centenary of her birth in 1925. The museum previously held only a selection of her prints and a more miniature late painting, making Iva a transformative acquisition that cements Mitchell’s legacy within the institution’s permanent collection.
Speaking on the importance of the donation, Tate’s Director, Maria Balshaw, described it as “one of the most important gifts Tate has received,” noting that placing such a major work in public hands was “an act of incredible generosity.”
“Joan Mitchell was a trailblazer in the Abstract Expressionist movement, and her work belongs in conversation with the greatest painters of the 20th century,” Balshaw continued. “With Iva now on display at Tate Modern, we can deepen our engagement with this vital artist and share her work with millions of visitors each year.”
The impact of this gift extends beyond Iva itself. The Pérez family has also committed a multimillion-dollar endowment to fund curatorial research at Tate, ensuring that expertise in African and Latin American art remains embedded within the museum’s programming, acquisitions, and exhibitions for years.
Jorge M. Pérez, a businessman of Latin descent and a long-time patron of the arts, has played a pivotal role in fostering cultural institutions, particularly in Miami, where his contributions led to the renaming of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) in 2013. His not-for-profit space, El Espacio 23, continues championing contemporary artists worldwide.
“Art is the heartbeat of every great city, with the power to inspire, unite, and transcend cultural and generational boundaries,” Pérez remarked. “Tate has been instrumental in making art accessible to all, and my family and I are honoured to contribute to that mission. Iva is a truly extraordinary painting, and we are thrilled that it will now be enjoyed by so many.”
His wife, Darlene Pérez, underscored the importance of championing women artists: “Women have played a profound role in shaping modern art, and it is vital that their contributions receive the recognition they deserve. We hope Iva’s presence at Tate will inspire greater visibility for female artists and ensure that their work continues to be studied and celebrated for generations to come.”
Alongside Iva and the research endowment, the Pérez family’s generosity will further enhance Tate’s collection through a promise of works by contemporary artists from Africa and the African diaspora. This will include pieces by Yinka Shonibare, El Anatsui, Joy Labinjo, and Buhlebezwe Siwani, as well as a significant collection of photographs by Malick Sidibé and Seydou Keïta.
This latest donation reaffirms Tate’s commitment to diversifying its collection and expanding the art-historical canon to be truly international. With Iva now on display, Tate Modern takes another step toward redefining how the story of modern art is told, ensuring that artists like Joan Mitchell continue to inspire audiences worldwide.