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MOMA'S NEW GAUGUIN EXHIBIT Send This Review to a Friend
The new MoMA exhibition “Gauguin: Metaporphoses” (March 8-June 8, 2014) is a revelation that sheds light on the artist and the evolution of his work. On display are drawings and prints, fascinating in themselves, paintings that emerged from the conceptual drawings, and especially striking, some of his exquisite sculptures.
The show includes 160 works, with some 130 on paper and 30 related paintings and sculptures, all assembled from a variety of collections.
The sculptures are probably less well known than Paul Gauguin’s paintings, and they are prominently displayed to advantage in this exhibit.
I was particularly struck by his “Head With Horns” (1895-1897), a dramatic piece that seems to leap out at you when examining it. The work is in wood with traces of paint.
I also was impressed by his delicately formed sculpture “Tahitian Girl” (1896), done in wood, felt, silk cord, shell and mother-of-pearl.
The exhibit would be worthwhile for the collection of sculptures alone, but great pleasure can also be derived by looking closely at Gauguin’s assorted woodcuts, drawings, and of course, works that once again cement the artist’s reputation as a remarkably colorful painter, forever associated with Tahiti. Admirers of Gauguin will not want to miss this opportunity. Posted March 10, 1014.
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