Here’s a look at Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream,’ a version of the iconic artwork from 1895 in pastel-on-cardboard, currently installed at the Museum of Modern Art. Recently purchased at auction for nearly $120 million, its owner has anonymously loaned it to the museum for six months. (Arrive early to avoid a new nonmembers line just to get into the fifth floor galleries.)
Artist Mark Barrow and textile designer Sarah Parke (partners in art and life) turn the weave of a canvas into a work of art itself by devising loom patterns from red, green and blue thread to make a support. Barrow then applies additional paint to the surface in tiny dot patterns creating a kind of secondary artwork on top of the woven fabric. (At Elizabeth Dee Gallery, Chelsea through Dec 15th.)
This collage by Fred Tomaselli (seen here in detail), is hidden away in James Cohan Gallery’s back viewing room but has been a big attention grabber on tours lately, and no wonder. Its color, pattern and mesmerizing detail give your eyes (all 20 of them?) and brains a workout.
Not every piece of art commissioned by the Metropolitan Transit Authority ends up looking great in the subway system, but that’s not the case with this instantly enticing new installation by noted light artist Leo Villareal titled ‘Hive (Bleeker Street)’ on the uptown 6 platform at Bleeker. Created from LED tubes, aluminum and stainless steel, the honeycomb patterned lights constantly shift color, creating a welcome distraction for worker bees. (On permanent display).
Join art critic, college teacher and tour guide, Merrily Kerr on a small group tour of the biggest museum show of the season, the Whitney Biennial. Find out why critics are calling ‘the show everyone loves to hate,’ one of the best ever.
In early May, Merrily will guide you to the best Chelsea gallery shows of the moment, including a jungle gym-like installation composed of crocheted netting and plastic balls by Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto and the late Richard Avedon’s monumental photo murals.
‘Best of the Whitney Biennial,’ Sunday, April 29, 2012, 11:30am – 1pm
“Artists are taking matters into their own hands,” says New York magazine critic Jerry Saltz, “…resetting the agenda, and fighting back against an art world that had been focused on selling, buzz and bigness.” Join Merrily to find out what the buzz is about on a small group tour focusing on the visual art in a show dense with performance and film.
SPACE IS LIMITED to the first six participants to register with Merrily by email at: merrilykerr@nyc.rr.com. Meet in the lobby of the Whitney Museum, (945 Madison Ave at 75th Street). Please purchase tickets prior to the day of our tour at whitney.org or arrive at least 20 minutes in advance to purchase a ticket to this extremely popular show. The museum opens at 11am and the tour departs at 11:30am. $40 pp in cash or check on the day. Does not include museum admission ($18 general admission, $12 seniors 62+).
‘Best Contemporary Art in Chelsea,’ Saturday, May 5, 2012, 11am – 1pm
Our itinerary will showcase eight of the most important and talked about exhibitions of the moment, including an energizing mix of artwork in different media by emerging talents and internationally acclaimed artists.
With space limited to ten or fewer participants, Merrily’s small group tours are an intimate exploration of New York’s best art. At each venue, Merrily gives information on the galleries themselves and the artwork on display – questions and conversation are encouraged!
This tour will last two hours and take place regardless of the weather.
SPACE IS LIMITED to the first ten participants to register with Merrily at merrilykerr@nyc.rr.com. Meet at 508 West 26th Street. Tour departs at 11am. $40 pp in cash or check on the day.