It’s the first post of September and that means coming attractions for museums in our area for the next year or so, here are a few highlights.
Martin Puryear (starting at MoMA – and travels to the National Gallery June 22 – Sept 28)
MP has always been a special artist with me. I first became aware of his work when I worked for Nancy Drysdale in the mid-eighties. His work struck me as occupying a place that was unusual in that he creates these artworks that transform the space around and inside them in unusual ways and at the same time, his work almost revels in the craft of the object as well. Puryear’s craft is like a cross between shaker furniture and Charles and Ray Eames – it’s just that great. This should be interesting as well as a well received show.
Color as Field: American Painting, 1950 – 1975 (starting at Denver Art Museum and travels to Smithsonian American Art Museum Feb 29 – May 26)
I know that Washington is heavily indebted to the color field – but at this point I have a hard time seeing this approach come back in fashion anytime soon – but the thing is there are some amazing paintings that were made during this time period (Helen Frankenthaler, Morris Louis, Gene Davis, Anne Truitt, and Ellsworth Kelly come to mind). At some point, there is going to be a critical re-examination of the color field and it’s influence moving forward. I just don’t see anybody taking that on any time soon, especially in the light of having to bump up against Clement Greenberg’s last stand. I do think someone will do this eventually, and if done right we will receive great rewards. This should be a visually rich show, even if we don’t reconstruct the approach and historical context.
Edward Hopper (Sept 16 – Jan 21)
What can I say, Hopper is an icon and everyone loves his work (mostly). This is bound to be a crowd pleaser.