Go to 53rd Street!

Justine Kurland  "Battlefield"  2001

I've been meaning to hit up the MoMA and the American Folk Art Museum for ages now, and finally got to go yesterday.  There are some glorious exhibits on now that are not to be missed.

At MoMA on the 2nd floor is the aforementioned "Wunderkammer: A Century of Curiosities" show which is a small but tasty survey of modern pieces that riff on the idea of curiosity collections.  The top floor has a blockbuster exhibit called "Dali: Painting and Film" which is to die for.  Dali paintings and sketches are juxtaposed with the films they relate to, resulting in a madcap and inspiring multi-media experience.  The highlight for me was finally getting to see the mythical Dali-Disney animated short, Destino, in its entirety.  I watched it three times in a row, and would have sat for even more had I had the time.  It is beyond special. 

The American Folk Art Museum has a delectable show up called "Dargerism" which is a showcase of contemporary works inspired by the work of reclusive outsider artist Henry Darger.  Lots of favorites are included here, including Amy Cutler and Justine Kurland.  As one would guess, themes of girlhood, nascent sexuality, and woodland ambiguity abound.  While you're here, also be sure to check out the arresting heads and busts sculpted by tragic art figure Asa Ames.  (I accidentally discovered that if you view them from the foot of the staircase leading up to their level, they appear as if they are floating, which adds even more to their sad mystique).

Both of these museums are on 53rd Street, so go ahead and make a day of it.

Comments

[Charles Vincent]

Sean Thomas in his Guardian review of the Darger film, said about Darger that "...he led a life of such suffering, neglect and isolation that he makes Vincent van Gogh look like a party-going fat cat."

[Pam]

HA! That's genius! And probably true.

[JL Schnabel]

I have been dying for these shows, I have to get there asap.
xo