News by AUN News correspondent
Monday, September 04, 2023
AUN News – ISSN: 2949-8090

Summary:

• In a world recovering from the pandemic’s shadows, the art world is gearing up for an extraordinary year in 2023–24.
• From grand historical exhibitions to contemporary marvels, the upcoming season promises a diverse range of artistic experiences that will captivate, challenge, and inspire.
• Notable exhibitions include “Africa and Byzantium” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, “Ethiopia at the Crossroads” at the Walters Art Museum, and solo showcases like “An-My Lê: Between Two Rivers” at the Museum of Modern Art and “Charles Gaines: 1992-2023” at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami.
• The art world is also abuzz with exhibitions featuring the likes of Mara Magdalena Campos-Pons, Harry Smith, and an avant-garde exploration at Carnegie Mellon University.
• Notably, the Guggenheim Museum’s “Only the Young: Experimental Art in Korea, 1960s–1970s” spotlights Korean culture during a time of global attention on Korean art.
• These exhibitions are poised to reawaken the art world post-pandemic, offering immersive experiences that transcend time, culture, and creativity.
• Art enthusiasts are urged to mark their calendars for this thrilling journey through the vibrant world of art.

Introduction:

In a world gradually emerging from the shadows of the pandemic, the art world is poised to usher in a new era of creativity and cultural exploration. As we look ahead to the 2023–24 season, the art scene promises to be nothing short of spectacular, with a lineup of exhibitions that will captivate, challenge, and inspire. From grand historical showcases to contemporary wonders, the forthcoming year is set to be a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the diverse and dynamic landscape of the art world.

A Journey Through Medieval Exchanges

The art world is gearing up for an exhilarating array of exhibitions for the 2023–24 season, with offerings ranging from historical treasures to contemporary wonders. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, known for its grand and global exhibitions, is set to captivate audiences with “Africa and Byzantium” (Nov. 19–March 3, 2024). This show promises to shed light on the cultural exchanges between medieval African kingdoms and the Byzantine Empire, revealing surprises and breathtaking beauties.

Ethiopian Art Extravaganza in Baltimore

Meanwhile, at the Walters Art Museum, “Ethiopia at the Crossroads” (Dec. 3-March 3) will display an exceptional collection of Ethiopian religious art. The Walters Art Museum, renowned for its Ethiopian-focused exhibitions, promises to revisit its 1994 masterpiece, “African Zion,” with a modern twist. This showcase will highlight not only historical treasures but also contemporary Ethiopian artistic brilliance.

Contemporary solo exhibitions

Contemporary art enthusiasts will be in for a treat this fall with a plethora of solo exhibitions. The Museum of Modern Art presents “An-My Lê: Between Two Rivers” (Nov. 5-March 16), featuring the evocative photography of An-My Le, a Vietnamese-born artist who captures the essence of a world steeped in militarism.

Pioneering Conceptualist: Charles Gaines

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, presents “Charles Gaines: 1992-2023” (Nov. 16–March 17), continuing the retrospective journey of Charles Gaines. His politically charged and harmonically infused art has evolved over the years, promising an engaging exhibition.

The Multifaceted Mara Magdalena Campos-Pons

The Brooklyn Museum introduces “Mara Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold” (Sept. 15–Jan. 14), a showcase of the experimental artistry of Campos-Pons. Her unique blend of photography, painting, and performance delves into Cuba’s colonial history and the living tradition of Afro-Cuban Santeria through her personal lens.

Harry Smith: The Cosmic Artist

The Whitney Museum of American Art presents “Fragments of a Faith Forgotten: The Art of Harry Smith” (Oct. 4-January), offering the first institutional overview of the experimental filmmaker and music ethnologist, Harry Smith. His work, which ignited the 1950s folk music craze and foreshadowed psychedelic art, is sure to mesmerize.

Pushing Boundaries: “Impossible Music”

Prepare to expand your horizons at the Miller Institute for Contemporary Art at Carnegie Mellon University with “Impossible Music” (Sept. 30-Dec. 10). This exhibition of sound, video, drawing, and performance challenges the conventional definition of “visual arts,” promising an auditory and visual experience like no other.

Korean Art in the Spotlight

In a world where the art world constantly seeks fresh narratives and perspectives, the Guggenheim Museum stands ready to cast a radiant spotlight on Korean culture. With “Only the Young: Experimental Art in Korea, 1960s-1970s” (Sept. 1-Jan. 7), this iconic institution is set to unveil a remarkable exhibition that not only explores the past but also reveals the vibrant spirit of a nation whose artistic legacy is now capturing the global stage.

A Timeless Tapestry of Creativity

Amidst the international attention currently focused on Korean art, this exhibition serves as a gateway to an era of creativity that pushed boundaries and challenged conventions. The 1960s and 1970s were periods of seismic cultural shifts, both in Korea and across the globe. This exhibition takes you back in time to witness the fervor, experimentation, and audacity that characterized Korean art during this pivotal period.

Unveiling the Visionaries

“Only the Young” presents a unique opportunity to encounter the visionaries who laid the foundation for contemporary Korean art. Through a carefully curated selection of artworks, this exhibition showcases the avant-garde movements, radical expressions, and innovative concepts that defined Korean art during these transformative decades. From pioneering installations to thought-provoking performances, these artists challenged the norms of their time, leaving an indelible mark on the art world.

Korean Art Goes Global

As Korean art gains prominence on the global stage, “Only the Young” not only provides a glimpse into the past but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Korean creativity. It is a testament to the fact that the art world’s embrace of diversity and fresh perspectives continues to evolve, making room for voices that may have once been overlooked.

As the art world reawakens post-pandemic, exhibitions like “Only the Young” remind us of the profound impact art can have on our understanding of history, culture, and human creativity. These showcases are not merely static displays but living narratives that inspire, provoke thought, and immerse audiences in a diverse range of artistic experiences. So, mark your calendars, for in these exhibitions, you’ll find an invitation to embark on a journey through time, culture, and creativity—an adventure that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.