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May 08, 2005
Missed Opportunities
Edward Weston William Edmondson, Sculptor, Tennessee, 1941
I recently found out that the Studio Museum in Harlem is hosting Bill Taylor, William Edmondson and the Modernist Impulse (through July 3) . On the one hand, I'm excited because it means I might actually get to see it on my upcoming trip back east. But on the other hand, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed. Once again, The Newark Museum has missed the boat. Actually make that twice again! - they missed out on organizing this kind of show themselves, and then they missed the second chance sweepstakes of hosting the traveling exhibition once The Krannert Art Museum put their show on the road. With an important collection Edmondson's sculpture AND a very long and significant history of collecting folk art, TNM should have been the ones to organize this exhibition (or at the very least be the big Northeast stop on the tour!) But TNM, suffering from a poor self image, a problematic location (read: too far from Manhattan island) and various staffing issues, was probably never asked to be involved and didn't have the support to generate the show on their own. Too bad. When I worked there I was constantly amazed by the work in their American collection and though the galleries were always bustling, I often wished we had visitors that were over 4ft tall.
I'll report back on the show after my trip next month. In the meantime, enjoy this wonderful portrait of Edmonson by another amazing 20th century artist. This photograph is ALSO in the collection of TNM. Last time I checked it was hanging in Picturing America (in the same gallery as one of the collection's crown jewels).
Posted by lk at May 8, 2005 12:40 PM
Comments
Buttergun,
That's absolutely right - I just think they need more balance. TNM does an amazing job in the education department but the curators need a bit more support. I also think the institution could really shine if they developed more shows drawn from their own collections.
Yea, I love the protrait, too!
Posted by: lk at May 9, 2005 02:25 PM
As a former Curator of Education I understand your mixed feelings about the current emphasis on potentially watered down "kids programs" but as a former kid I can also vouch that if you spark a kid’s interest while they are still building affections you guarantee a more sophisticated art lover for the future.
Beautiful portrait!
Posted by: butter gun at May 9, 2005 01:13 PM