Because of the cool project at the Guggenheim (screening videos on the rings of the museum) we learned about in class, I wanted to find out what exhibitions are currently at the Guggenheim. There is an exhibit currently running called Chaos and Classicism, Art in France, Italy and Germany, which focuses on art from France, Italy, and Germany from 1918 to 1936. The Guggenheim promises to take observers on a tour from the armistice of World War I in 1918 through history until the Olympic games in Berlin in 1936.
I am very interested in seeing this exhibit, because it takes visitors through the history of these countries, using art as a medium. You can really get a sense of what people thought and how they felt based on what kind of art was popular at the times. For example, after World War I, many people were tired of Cubism and Futurism, which were very popular during the early 1900’s. People wanted to see art that reflected harmony. And so, Classicism (the art of Ancient Greece and the Italian Renaissance) became more popular.
I love going to art exhibits, or just looking at a piece of artwork, but knowing the history behind it definitely makes it more exciting. Knowing the story behind the art makes it is easier to connect with the theme/ message of the piece, instead of just looking at it and deciding whether you like it or not. I think this exhibit is worth seeing.
Pablo Picasso's The Source (1921)
Pablo Picasso's Girl With a Mandolin
Pablo Picasso’s The Source shows Europe’s preference for Classicism after World War I. This is much different from his earlier work, The Girl With a Mandolin, which he painted in 1910, when Cubism was popular.
If anyone is interested, this exhibit is at the Guggenheim now through January 1st.
And the article is here.
You should go to the Guggenheim while the video projects and this show are both happening!