It’s officially summer; it is really hot and, now that the New Orleans rainy season has started, humid outside. To escape the heat, a trip to the well air conditioned New Orleans Museum of Art is in order. As you walk up the steps, the cool air invitingly escapes from the front door. Once inside you will be greeted by a twenty foot tall site-specific installation by the internationally renowned New York City artist who, like Cher and Prince, is known simple by one name, Swoon. The installation “Thalassa” is named after the Greek Goddess of sea creatures, and is situated above the museum’s Grand Hall. It was designed by Swoon specifically to fit into and interact with the grand entrance way. All the paintings and sculptures on the first floor of the Grand Hall have been removed to give “Thalassa” its due respect and presence.
Inspired by both the woodblock prints of the German Expressionists and Indonesian shadow puppets, the central figure is a female figure with extended tentacles made of colorful fabrics and enhanced prints and cutouts of sea creatures that reach across the Grand Hall. As Swoon worked on designing and creating this project, she developed a relationship with our art community by collaborating with New Orleans Air Lift, a group dedicated to having local artists interact with artists from other cities; some of her cutouts were pasted on various buildings in the Bywater.
In the museum’s main gallery on the first floor is “Ancestors of Congo Square” a beautifully and dramatically displayed exhibition of African art. During these times of fiscal restraints and in celebration of the museum’s centennial year, NOMA has opted to showcase their own collection of African art with an exhibition and an accompanying book. The title refers to New Orleans’ Congo Square, where African Americans slaves would gather to socialize, dance and play music; it was near the French Quarter, at the present location of Armstrong Park.
Upstairs on the second floor is the traveling exhibition “Read My Pins: The Madeline Albright Collection.” The former United Nations Ambassador and Secretary of State under Bill Clinton used her vast and varied collection of pins to convey subtle and sometimes not too subtle, messages to the foreign dignitaries and world leaders during their meetings. The collection is largely made up of costume jewelry which has little monetary value, but Albright herself noted that “Before long, and without intending it, I found that jewelry had become part of my diplomatic arsenal. Former president George H.W. Bush had been known for saying 'Read my lips.' I began encouraging colleagues and reporters to 'Read my pins." The exhibition is a fascinating look at the trials and tribulations of international diplomacy.
The New Orleans Museum of Art is opened late on Wednesday from noon to 8 pm, and Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. and is located at One Collins C. Diboll Circle in City Park. Wednesdays are free for all visitors thanks to the Helis Foundaiton. Parking is free and conveniently located leading up to the building. The Brennan Family runs the café on the first floor, so you know the food and drinks are good. Visit www.noma.orgor 504-658-4100 for more information.
Comments