I think everyone in the DC area knows that The Phillips Collection<\/b> has recently re-opened due to its renovation there are a couple others that I think are worth knowing. The Blanton<\/b> Museum at University of Texas (Austin) has moved into its new spaces to house its large collection of Latin-American art and Italian old masterworks. A second building will open next year. In Savanah The Telfair Museum<\/b> added 64,000 square feet. It had much the same problem as The Phillips – an older building not fully capable of handling artworks of dramatic size – this new renovation will allow it to showcase its rather large collection of Robert Rauschenberg artworks (most notably Page 1, Paragrapgh 8 (short stories).<\/p>\n
A lot of this reconstruction\/renovation is from capital projects funded by the “philanthropy boom” of the late 1990’s. As of this writing over 20 museums are in planning or construction phases.<\/p>\n
“Howl” by Allen Ginsberg turns 50 this year<\/b>
I feel and I think a few would agree that this poem made poetry a critically valid art form in modern society. I’m trying hard no to sound like an asshole here so bear with me – “Howl” is a poem of raw nerves reflecting concerns and life – unlike say someone like Robert Frost. The poem to me is so very real.<\/p>\n
Anyway, I’m always amazed that a work of art that is so modern can hold up so well – Stuart Davis’s work is the king of this effect.<\/p>\n
Interesting Art Fair Trend<\/b>
In the latest ArtNEWS two different art fairs are touting themselves as art fairs without new york hype or new york prices. I guess the price thing is good – but is this the strength of your fair? I think it’s time for a new marketing plan. Here’s one, how about stressing the quality of the work or the quality of the galleries showing.<\/p>\n
One last ArtNEWS tidbit – there is a great photo of Richard Serra in the Gagosian ad on the back cover.<\/p>\n
Same as it ever was<\/b>
This month, police and propaganda officials have launched a crackdown yet on Beijing’s art district, where at least three galleries have been ordered to remove politically sensitive works. An oil painting by Gao Qiang depicting a sickly yellow Mao Zedong bathing in a Yangtze river the color of blood, a child-like depiction of the 1989 Beijing massacre by Wu Wenjian, and the centerpiece of the celebrated artist Huang Rui’s first solo exhibition on the Chinese mainland are some of the works ordered to be removed. “I was surprised because, after twenty-five years of economic reforms, I thought China was ready to accept creations like these,” said Chen Xindong, owner of Xindong Chen Gallery. <\/p>\n