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

Blue ink is permanently injected into the skin. Cursive script letters spell out “lonely” across the side of his neck, inching closer towards the fragile yet vital carotid artery. Loneliness is trivialized, ownership taking over the isolating emotion. In grabbing hold of, and identifying the feeling, one secures a breath of control over it. With blatant honesty, one finds reprieve. Through his work, John Arsenault captures the “in-between” moments. He emphasizes what is often missed in the modern-day rush. In tandem, Arsenault and his subject take an overlooked experience and put it directly in the viewer's face. In the high-speed, overstimulated flow of life, to be awarded acknowledgment, a label has to be plastered on. Arsenault keeps record of honesty. By tattooing loneliness on oneself, the subject is dissolving their mask. They take what normally hides beneath their shield and put it on display. In this, honesty thrives.

Artist Information

John Arsenault

Entry/Object ID

3177.032.Ph22

Artwork Details

Date made: 2002

Medium: Chromogenic print

Dimensions (h x w): 20-1/2 in x 20-1/2 in

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type: Signature

Location: Back

Acquisition

Accession: 3177

Credit Line: Gift of Robert Duffy, 2022

Exhibitions

Go Figure: Selections from the Permanent Collection

Collection