Suggestions from Our Latest Newsletter
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ART/ SCULPTURE
Art Smart is going back to the basics of art this month with our newest suggestions of shows that beautifully remind us of the basic building blocks of sculpture, and teach us how to appreciate it better.
“What is Sculpture? Akari from the 1986 Venice Biennale”
At the Noguchi Museum through May 31, 2009
For those who don’t know, Noguchi is the Japanese-American modernist sculptor and Akari are the handmade, usually cream-colored paper lamps crafted into special shapes. This exhibition brings back Noguchi’s bright idea to combine his sculptures with the illuminated lamps for the 1986 Venice Biennale exhibition to shed light on what the essence of sculpture is. For Noguchi, light versus dark is a significant aspect of space and that there is much more to sculpture than just mass. This show reminds us to slow down and appreciate the subtleties of light all around us. Its effect is illuminating in more ways than one.
“From Plaster to Stone”
At the Noguchi Museum through August 30, 2009
While on the subject and the same premises, check out this exhibition that showcases the process of creation for Noguchi. Plaster maquettes used to envision larger stone or metal works are assembled aside photographs and finished sculptures to show the sculptor’s process. What is most enjoyable, however, is seeing how Noguchi balanced his faithfulness to his original ideas with his flexibility in response to the unpredictable nature of stone. Such balance is a beautiful guide for the reality of everyday life.
“Worshiping Women: Ritual and Reality in Classical Athens”
At Onassis Cultural Center through May 9
The Onassis Cultural Center in NYC is a little known gem of an exhibition space that always uses their connections to pull together rare finds for consistently thoughtful shows. Its latest evokes ancient Greek sanctuary space and is arranged with 155 rare and remarkable objects from the finest collections around the world. While the show focuses on the role of women in Classical Athens, we love how it reminds us of the role and impact of Classical sculpture on art ever since, including the contemporary artist Vanessa Beecroft.
“Vanessa Beecroft’s VB64”
At Deitch Projects Gallery through April 12, 2009
4-40 44th Drive, Long Island City
If you missed Beecroft’s live art performance on March 6 in Long Island City, you can still catch up with the accompanying exhibition of new sculpture that offers a fresh interpretation on classical sculpture. This ongoing show includes a video projection of the performance, which used live models covered in white body make-up and coiffed with curls reminiscent of classical statues, as well as stunning wax and gesso sculptures. The total combination is the perfect counterpoint to ancient sculpture. For those who haven’t seen her work, Vanessa Beecroft is best known for her live performance pieces (and related objects or images of the performance) that incorporate women and focuses on the beauty of the female form.
And don’t forget the incredible Greek and Roman collections at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Next Month: Art Smart Goes Outdoors!
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