By Sandra Schulman Miles Davis, Nina Simone, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Billie Holiday — several of these iconic artists performed in West Palm Beach’s Historic Northwest neighborhood, usually at the Sunset Lounge, which is now under restoration. Now the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and West Palm Beach Arts & Entertainment … [Read more...]
Norton’s all-woman exhibit sets the record straight
Bronze limbs shaped as rustic geometric figures form an abstract construction that is darkened and firm, primitive and totem-like. Gender doesn’t come into it, but if it did, assigning female to this sculpture would be unlikely. Certainly, a woman’s artwork is more organic, erratic, softer, and emotional. That erroneous assertion is still common, even if it’s now voiced … [Read more...]
Who gets to be a princess? Solo show at Boca Museum begs the question
“Once upon a time” meets “Off with their heads!” in the latest exhibition from Boca Raton Museum of Art, where tar-colored vintage ornaments, baroque motifs and headless perfume bottles make up for a twisted fairy tale. Witness me. Release me. I shouldn’t let you conquer me so sweetly. They are among the cryptic opening lines framing the romantic wall installations … [Read more...]
The World of Anna Sui: Star designer gets her own universe at Lauderdale museum
By Sandra Schulman Downtown New York City designer darling Anna Sui hit town at just the right time. Born in the suburbs of Detroit, Sui was drawn to New York’s cultural underground at an insanely creative time in the 1970s, where fashion, photography, art, music and design were all going out clubbing every night. She joined the party with her first collection in 1981, … [Read more...]
Glory of ancient Andean civilizations coming to Boca Museum in October
The great cultures of the Andes lasted for thousands of years high in the mountains of Peru before being brought down by Spanish invaders intent on conquest. It is a story that has been told many times to travelers who have visited the region, including Boca Raton Museum of Art director Irvin Lippman, who climbed to the ruins of the citadel of Machu Picchu in 1980 and found … [Read more...]
The art of the dazzle: Costume designer brings flair to Cornell exhibit
Costumes by award-winning costume designer Sean De Freitas are on display in the Cornell Art Museum in downtown Delray Beach, running through the summer. Filling two galleries with nine original and ornate costumes, this is an opportunity and respite from the year of COVID-19, says Cornell Art Museum director and curator Melanie Johanson. “His over-the-top designs bring … [Read more...]
Old Masters influence new quarantine in Dennis show at Gavlak
By Sandra Schulman Locking down in an art studio is old hat for artists, so the quarantine imposed by COVID-19 was just more fuel for the creative fire. For artist Marc Dennis, who lives and works in Brooklyn, it was a time to look back to look at the now. In his hyper-realist style, he found inspiration not only in the images of the Old Masters such as Caravaggio and … [Read more...]
When creativity is all there is: Self-taught Florida artists fill fountain of originality
A period of self-examination surely transpired during the COVID-induced pause on doing business and might be responsible for art institutions’ renewed focus on racism, criminal justice, gender equality and immigration. In the case of Boca Raton Museum of Art, it has led to a spectacular celebration of diversity and inclusivity. You are welcome, says the self-taught … [Read more...]
Norton digs deep for ‘Art Finds a Way’
By Sandra Schulman Pulling from a deep collection and even deeper current events, the Norton’s curator Cheryl Brutvan has amassed a stellar exhibit of works from African-American artists. In Art Finds a Way, she builds on some of the buzzier names the Norton owns – Nick Cave’s zany tribal Space Suits, Mickalene Thomas’s hyper-decorative collage paintings – and adds in … [Read more...]
Norton’s new CEO: The museum as hub for creativity and dialogue
Early into a recent interview, it becomes clear why Ghislain d'Humières landed the job of director and CEO of the Norton Museum of Art. A native of France with a last name that exudes harmony and elegance, d'Humières is grounded, energetic and has the well-rounded business acumen to take one of Palm Beach County’s most precious cultural jewels to the next level. This … [Read more...]