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).

Description

With smudged graphite on paper, Jack Pierson scribbles the words “I HATE HOW YOU LOVE ME”. Boldened and gone over twice, the word hate is emphasized. Jack Pierson’s work explores ideas ranging from romantic attachment to idealizing others from afar. I Hate How You Love Me exposes the shame that can exist at the depths of nonconforming love. His turbulent handwriting points to a moment overcome with such emotions. A breaking point. “Trailblazer” or “revolutionary" are the labels bestowed upon individuals whose ideas defy norms. However, the same pride is not typically celebrated for persons whose identities do not fit into society’s molds. Authenticity is feared. Due to the anxiety stemming from nonconforming identities, it can feel like an easy solution to deny oneself the comfort and happiness typically associated with idealized norms. In many cases, untraditional love feels hazardous, that this love will do more harm than good. One begins to hate love rather than love love. Without community, authenticity can be debilitating and untethering. Therefore, tempting individuals to reject the outward displays of their true self and replacing it with the identity, or mask society expects of them. In these behaviors isolation festers.

Artist Information

Jack Pierson

Entry/Object ID

3177.057.D22

Artwork Details

Date made: n.d.

Medium: Graphite on paper

Dimensions (h x w): 13-3/4 in x 10-3/4 in

Acquisition

Accession: 3177

Credit Line: Gift of Robert Duffy, 2022