A variety of paintings, sculptures, assemblages, and installations, many of which take the body and the natural world as their focus, were selected because of their challenge to viewers' assumptions and expectations. Included was Adjustable Wall Bra (1990) by Vito Acconci, Subdivision (1990) by Lynn Aldrich ,/ 1982) by Tony Berlant, SEÑORITA (1962) by Bruce Conner, and Lord Byron had a club-foot. When Admiral Nelson won his greatest naval victory at Trafalgar, he had only one arm. Yes, the lame, the halt and...and Very dirty floor, Very dirty floor, Mama said (both 1978) by Guy de Cointet. Also included were works by Max Ernst, Llyn Foulkes, George Herms, Georg Herold, David Ireland, Sherrie Levine, Elizabeth Murray, Lari Pittman, Susan Rothenberg, Sarah Seager, Jeffrey Vallance, and Gordon Wagner.
Altered States: Selections from the Permanent Collection was organized by Elizabeth T. Smith, Curator, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.