One of our team took a trip to the big apple over MLK weekend and found time to visit a couple of the cities finest art attractions. In an effort to span the art history spectrum, she visited both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New Museum. We all agree we don’t get to these museums enough, so join us in enjoying this virtual art trip!
New Museum
Chris Ofili: Night and Day
In his first major show at a U.S. museum, Chris Ofili bared his soul and many bodies of work over three large floors of the gallery. Explorations in color, materiality, dung, and collage yield intricate, layered, works whose viewing requires dedication.
Gerard & Kelly: P.O.L.E. (People, Objects, Language, Exchange)
A look into the world of contemporary dance, in which visitors were encouraged to utilize the pole however they saw fit. The interactive installation included film on TVs and projected from the ceiling, with bare mattresses for more comfortable seating. Every evening, pole dancers and “subway kids” come in to rehearse in the space for weekly performances.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
A rainy Sunday at the Met yielded crowds and, therefore, the need to prioritize art viewing. “El Greco in New York” was unmissable, and eclipsed the Costume Institute’s “Death Becomes Her,” if only because I’m biased toward painting over apparel. A quick stop at the Temple of Dendur reminded me how interesting the juxtaposition of ancient objects and museum architecture is.
