This weekend I was invited to a member’s only night at The Museum of Modern Art, to view the new exhibition ‘Color Chart-Reinventing Color: 1950 to today’.
As a guest of color maven Kim Brown, I was treated to an evening of complimentary wine, a pretty decent DJ, and the best people watching opportunity of the night. And I had an almost private audience with the works in the new Color Chart galleries: I really love these kinds of nights in NYC.
As you enter the space on the 6th floor, a mountain of painted steel beams greets you, adorned in vibrant primary colors. The collection is a belief of the artists involved, that in everyday life – beauty, art, and color are intertwined and accessible. The 1st painting I focused on was Jim Dine’s color blocks. His father and grandfather owned a hard ware store where Jim became interested in color at an early age.
On the opposite wall is Frank Stella’s square canvases painted with shades of Benjamin Moore paints (wisely a sponsor of the exhibit), straight out of the can; these were commissioned by an admirer, Andy Warhol.
On the left wall is Ellsworth Kelly’s ‘Colors For a Large Wall’. Across from the actual piece is the study for the painting. I always find these ultimately more interesting. The studies have a palpable creative energy of an artist trying to accomplish perfection.
Andy Warhol sits vibrantly in the corners with ‘Do It Yourself Flowers’ a grand paint –by- numbers. And then there’s Marilyn …all 6 of her. I think I love Warhol because I don’t really have to think about his hidden meanings – it’s Pop art and as Nina Simone would say I’m “feeling good” when I look at it.
I love the type of Jasper John’s 0-9 lithographs. Edward Ruscha has 6 screen prints with beautiful lettering. Titled ‘News, Mews, Pews, Brews, Stews, & Dues’ one handsome gentlemen pointed out that they rhyme: Quite right sir.
The scale of Gerhard Richter’s 10 Large Color Panels (7 seen in my pictures) is impressive (giant paint chip strips). I really like his ‘256 Colors’ – every corner has a grey circle that is sort of subliminally visible – very cool.
Walking through another room, you are greeted by Dan Flavin’s untitled neon tubes forming a forest –like gathering of bright T’s.
Katharina Fritsch ‘s sculpture like painting ‘8 Paintings 8 Colors’ is an invitation to an Alice in Wonderland world. I fully expected to see a Mad Hatter tea party taking place under these bright paintings. Paintings like hers just make me happy. Her grandfather was a salesman for Faber – Castell art supplies; she might have lived in an Alice world of her own.
Kim and Charlene, my gracious hosts, are seated in front of Sherrie Levine’s painting ‘Salubra’. This painting is inspired by architect Le Corbusier painted wallpapers for the Swiss firm Salubra in 1931. Simply Le Gorgeous.
Last , but certainly not least, is Damien Hirst’s ‘John John’ painting. This piece reminds me of my favorite candy as a child; those yummy sweet dots you have to lick off strips of paper. I’m certainly not trying to simplify darling Damien’s work…I’m no art critic or historian. But I believe that every piece of art is open to individual interpretation, based on our own unique memories and experiences.
This exhibit was a pure trip of fantasy and joy for me. The Color Chart exhibit runs until May 12th and I highly suggest a visit. Gazing at these colorful, brilliant works of art will certainly add to your memories and become a cherished experience.
I was already excited about viewing this show next week but after reading your post I absolutely can’t wait to have my own encounter with the Color Charts exhibit.