In the universe of Mexican art, one petite star has shined consistently bright despite the eclipse caused by male counterparts. If it were a constellation, its shape would be a thick unibrow and its name Friducha. That was famed Mexican muralist Diego Rivera’s name for his painter wife Frida Kahlo. Both are now the focus of a new exhibition organized by the Norton Museum of … [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...]
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’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...]
A tree of hope grows in my mind
Fructiferous. He said it didn’t exist. That word: Fructiferous. He was a seasoned editor, and who was I? But deep down I knew it did. Watching now the fruit-bearing tree in front of me weather a storm of bad news I, too, feel particularly fructiferous. My mind ventures out freely to catch whatever train of thought it feels like riding without abruptly being called back to … [Read more...]
Forget your troubles at NSU Museum’s ‘Happy!’
If you are happy and you know it, you won’t mind putting that feeling to the test of an exhibition parking balloons, cartoons, and smiles right next to depression, trauma and loss. The subject of many onward and inward expeditions has everyone looking for universal driving directions. There’s one location we are likely to find it – at least temporarily. The relentless … [Read more...]
In small ink strokes, humanity writ large: Rembrandt at the Four Arts
A striking candlelight effect may be the loudest marking of one of the greatest artists in the history of art, but a new exhibit extinguishes it in favor of his other theatrical — and humane — sensibilities. Detail-soaked biblical passages, scenes of street life and portraits of the distinguished and the marginalized have aligned at the Society of the Four Arts to … [Read more...]
What lies beneath: At Flagler, women’s fashion confronts its foundation
What came first, the desire to show off a tiny waist or the corset that squeezed internal organs out of the way? A dynamic new exhibition exploring how women’s fashion has shaped American society, and vice versa, gives a Mobius-strip answer. How is that for a silhouette? The gallery walls of the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum are uncharacteristically colorful these days. They … [Read more...]
Norton’s Latin American show tries to reach out for diversity
Santeria reference? Check. Dual-language panels? Check. Diego Rivera? Check. A new art exhibition courts Latin America with good intentions and ends up feeling like a promising blind date. Romancing the unknown is a daunting undertaking, particularly when sensitivity is trending upward and the risk of offending is super high. By all accounts, The Body Says, I Am a Fiesta: … [Read more...]