The Permanent Collection at Provincetown Art Association and Museum.

The Permanent Collection

Our permanent collection includes more than 5,350 works, capturing over a century of artistic vitality in Provincetown and on the Outer Cape.

This database offers a window into that rich legacy and our ongoing efforts to showcase contemporary artists working here. More than 2,700 pieces in our collection lack digital images. Our efforts to digitize the rest of our collection are ongoing; to contribute to this critical project to digitize the PAAM collection, please contact James Robertson, Chief Development Officer, by email at jrobertson@paam.org or visit: paam.org/donate/

COLLECTION IN THE COMMUNITY

PAAM regularly loans work from its permanent collection to community organizations and businesses, expanding public access to and appreciation of these important works of art. Works from the collection can currently be seen at Seamen’s Bank (Provincetown, Truro, and Wellfleet locations), Seashore Point in Provincetown, La Tanzi, Spaulding & Landreth LLP offices in Provincetown and Orleans, and David Marshall Datz, PC office in Provincetown and Orleans. To discuss arranging an artwork loan for your business or organization, please contact PAAM Registrar Madeleine Larson (mlarson@paam.org).

Woman in bathing suit snorkeling, under water

Description

Submerged in a hazardous environment. Exposed to foreign life. Alone. A mask protects the explorer and grants them the opportunity to cast their eyes onto the reality of another life. The mask allows its wearer to breathe in a surrounding in which they would typically drown. Cenote Escape highlights one of the many functions of a social mask, protection. One becomes an observer of a world to which they typically don’t belong, or due to the harsh realities of the environment, would not typically survive. Social norms and constructs frame human expectations, and if those expectations are not met, harsh realities set in. When a person doesn’t belong, they are labeled unknown, dangerous, invasive. Therefore, putting on a mask of conformity affords protection from the hate otherwise extended. However, this protection does not insinuate survival. A mask does not help you belong. Masks are temporary. The more immersed you become, pressure builds, masks slip, and water comes crashing in.

Artist Information

Ray Elman

Entry/Object ID

2121.MM12

Artwork Details

Date made: 1999

Medium: Oil, polymer, digital print collage on canvas

Dimensions (h x w): 60 in x 43 in

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type: Signature

Location: LL

Type: Signature, Title, Date

Location: Verso

Acquisition

Accession: 2121

Credit Line: Gift of the artist, 2012

Collection