After World War II, New York replaced Paris as the center of modern art. Since then, it has not only dominated the global art market but also become a magnet for international artists, with art museums at the forefront and new artistic expressions continually emerging. But the recent power shift in the U.S. has sent shockwaves. The culture war is escalating, diversity initiatives and grants are being rolled back, and artistic and institutional freedoms are eroded. The situation is tense, but it is also fueling creativity and resilience.

This exhibition presents works from the art collection that Marika and CG Wachtmeister have built over half a century. Under the current circumstances, Vandalorum has chosen to focus on the couple's longstanding relationship with the American art world. The exhibition includes works by over forty internationally influential artists who have been active during the developments that have shaped the country, from the 1970s to our present day, when the very preservation of democracy is uncertain.