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Assembly Lines: Modernism and Machines

October 18, 2025 – February 2, 2026

4th Floor Gallery

Assembly Lines: Modernism and Machines examines the profound impact of mechanization, industrial innovation, and technology on artistic production from the early 20th century to the present day. Tracing the ever-evolving relationship between the human hand and the hum of industry from the rise of modernism to today’s era of artificial intelligence, the exhibition highlights how artists have engaged with the possibilities, anxieties, and legacies of the Machine Age.

 

Featuring painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and generative art, Assembly Lines: Modernism and Machines presents works by artists including Margaret Bourke-White, Sougwen Chung, Le Corbusier, Ivan Depeña, Kiki Kogelnik, Roy Lichtenstein, Francis Picabia, Dario Robleto, Elias Sime, Jean Tinguely, and Jack Whitten, among others. Encompassing a range of visual strategies and conceptual approaches, the works on view reflect both enthusiasm for and skepticism toward the technological forces that have shaped modern and contemporary life. Taken together, these works invite viewers to consider how the continually shifting relationship between humans and machines has expanded the boundaries of artmaking.

Major Support for Assembly Lines: Modernism and Machines is provided by 

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This exhibition is supported in part by the generosity of our Director’s Circle Donors.

EXHIBITION RELATED EVENTS

  • Oct 17, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    As a valued Director’s Circle donor, you and a guest are invited to an exclusive reception on Friday, October 17, from 5–7 PM to celebrate the opening of "Assembly Lines: Modernism and Machines."
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  • Fri, Oct 17
    Oct 17, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Bechtler Members and their guests are invited to an exclusive reception on Friday, October 17, at 7 PM to celebrate the opening of Assembly Lines: Modernism and Machines.
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  • Oct 18, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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  • Oct 26, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    Taking its cue from the Bechtler’s fall exhibition, "Assembly Lines: Modernism and Machines," this Music and Museum concert reflects the energy, precision, and tension of the Industrial Age.
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  • Nov 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    Inspired by Assembly Lines: Modernism and Machines, this concert shows how music and art can mix old-school tradition with modern ideas.
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  • Oct 16, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    Experience what it means to be a Modernist. Join us this Thursday, October 16 for an exclusive first look at Assembly Lines: Modernism and Machines before it opens to the public.
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