mod blog

As we traverse the globe from the venerable galleries of London to the pulsating art scenes of New York City, Los Angeles, and Rome, a suite of exhibitions stands poised to redefine the artistic landscape in 2024. These gatherings of creativity not only showcase the pinnacle of artistic endeavor but also offer a dialogue with history and a gaze into the future. Let us consider the noteworthy exhibitions in these illustrious cities: London: Saatchi Gallery: "Post-Modern Pantheon" In October, this exhibition explores the legacy and continued influence of post-modernism across various media. It juxtaposes post-modern art with classical forms, inviting a contemplation on how irony, pastiche, and a questioning of grand narratives have reshaped contemporary art. New York City: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: "Transatlantic Modernisms" Opening in April, this exhibition examines the cross-currents of artistic influence between Europe and America during the early to mid-20th century. It features works from artists who bridged the Atlantic with their innovative approaches, shaping what would become cornerstone movements in both regions. Whitney Museum of American Art: "American Realities" In July, the Whitney presents a poignant exploration of American life through the lens of contemporary documentary photography and multimedia installations, reflecting on social issues and the diverse landscapes of American identity. Los Angeles: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): "Cinematic Shadows" Launching in August, this exhibition explores the intersection of film and visual art, showcasing how cinema has influenced modern and contemporary art forms. It features collaborations between filmmakers and artists, and displays pieces that highlight the narrative techniques shared by both fields. The Broad: "Echoes of the Sublime" In December, The Broad examines the concept of the sublime in contemporary art, showcasing works that provoke awe, terror, and wonder, redefining the sublime for the modern age with immersive installations and large-scale paintings. Rome: Galleria Borghese: "Baroque Brilliance" This November, the Galleria Borghese offers a deep dive into the Baroque period, presenting a curated collection of paintings and sculptures by masters such as Caravaggio and Bernini. The exhibition highlights the theatricality and dynamic movement that define the Baroque style. MAXXI: "Architectural Dialogues" In September, Rome’s museum of 21st-century arts, MAXXI, focuses on contemporary architecture’s responses to historical contexts. Featuring innovative projects from around the world, it examines how modern designs dialogue with and within ancient cityscapes. These exhibitions represent more than just opportunities to view art; they are educational journeys, reflective practices, and cultural celebrations that connect viewers with artistic traditions and contemporary movements across the world. Each city brings its own unique flavor to the global art conversation, ensuring that 2024 remains a vibrant year for cultural exploration and appreciation. - - Judging an Art Exhibition. Evaluating artistic excellence within the context of an art show is an exercise of discerning judgement, predicated upon a confluence of established criteria that resonate with both the historical canon and contemporary innovation. As a professor, historian, and curator, one must approach such an evaluation with a framework that is both rigorous and enlightened. Conceptual Integrity: This fundamental criterion assesses the depth and coherence of the ideas underpinning the artworks. An excellent piece must not only embody a profound concept but also articulate this concept through a medium that enhances and complements the artist's vision. The piece should invite intellectual engagement and provoke contemplation, encouraging the viewer to question and explore. Technical Proficiency: Mastery over one's chosen medium is imperative. This includes the skillful application of techniques and materials to create works that are not only technically flawless but also innovative. The craftsmanship involved should demonstrate a high level of artistry and a deep understanding of the medium's possibilities and limitations. Aesthetic Merit: While aesthetics may be subjective, the visual impact of an artwork is undeniable. This involves an appraisal of composition, color, form, and overall visual harmony. An artistically excellent work should possess a distinctive style or aesthetic appeal that distinguishes it from mundane creations and captures the viewer's visual and emotional faculties. Originality and Innovation: Artistic excellence demands a departure from the derivative and conventional. The work should exhibit originality in thought and execution, challenging existing paradigms and introducing new perspectives or techniques. Innovation is not merely the use of new materials or methods, but also the ability to impart fresh insights and evoke new responses from the audience. Contextual and Cultural Relevance: Excellent art resonates with its cultural and historical context. It reflects or critiques societal norms, values, or issues, connecting with broader dialogues beyond the art world. This relevance may be rooted in the socio-political climate, cultural identity, or shared human experiences, thereby enriching its value and significance. Emotional and Intellectual Engagement: Finally, the work must engage the viewer on multiple levels. This includes the capacity to elicit a strong emotional response or to intellectually challenge the audience. The art should leave a lasting impression, altering the viewer's perceptions or enriching their understanding of a subject. By adhering to these criteria, one ensures a comprehensive and nuanced evaluation of art, worthy of the scholarly and cultural discourse that surrounds esteemed art exhibitions. These benchmarks not only guide the selection of works that epitomize artistic excellence but also uphold the integrity and prestige of the curatorial practice. The presentation of artwork, including framing and other aspects of display, plays a critical role in the evaluation of artistic excellence. In the realms of fine art exhibitions and critical reviews, the manner in which art is presented can profoundly influence its reception and interpretation. Effective presentation enhances the inherent qualities of the artwork, ensuring that it is viewed under optimal conditions and from the most advantageous perspectives. CREATIVITY. Ah, creativity, a most splendid and enigmatic concept, often discussed in the hallowed halls of academia and the vibrant studios of artists. To encapsulate its essence in mere words is akin to trying to capture the ethereal beauty of a sunset within a single brushstroke. Yet, let us endeavor to do so with the intellectual rigor and artistic sensitivity that this topic deserves. Creativity is the sublime act of transcending traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations. It is akin to a mental alchemy, where the mundane is transmuted into the extraordinary. In the realm of art, creativity is the brushstroke that defies convention, the color palette that speaks in a language yet unheard, the sculpture that challenges our perception of space and form. In the scholarly world, creativity is the birth of a hypothesis that challenges conventional wisdom, the formulation of a theory that reshapes our understanding of the universe, or the penning of a literary work that forever alters the landscape of literature. It is an intellectual voyage into the unknown, charting courses through unexplored territories of thought and understanding. At its core, creativity is not just the creation of something new, but the ability to see the world through a lens of boundless possibilities. It is a dance of the imagination with reality, where constraints are but stepping stones to innovation. Creativity thrives on curiosity, a relentless questioning of the status quo, a tireless pursuit of what could be rather than what is. Furthermore, creativity is not the sole province of artists, scholars, or inventors. It is an intrinsic attribute of the human spirit, manifesting in myriad ways in every individual, whether it be in the kitchen of a home, in the strategy room of a business, or in the day-to-day problem-solving that life demands. In conclusion, creativity is the essence of human ingenuity, a force that propels us forward, ever seeking, ever striving, ever reinventing the world around us and within us. It is, indeed, the very heartbeat of progress and the soul of artistic expression. Abstract Art, you see, is the eschewing of direct representation. This form of art does not seek to accurately portray visual reality but rather uses shapes, colours, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect. It's akin to a poetic abstraction from reality, where the essence of a subject is captured without depicting its physical form. Imagine, if you will, a canvas where emotions and ideas are expressed through a symphony of color and form, untethered by the constraints of realistic representation. I have explored all realms of representation, abstraction, and figurative art indeed! Figurative Art, on the contrary, represents a stark contrast. This genre embraces the depiction of real objects or subjects. It is grounded in the real world and often portrays human figures, still life, or landscapes. The skill in this art form lies in the artist's ability to breathe life into these representations, capturing not just the physical likeness but the very soul of the subject. Representational Art is a term often used interchangeably with figurative art, yet it encompasses a broader spectrum. It refers to all art that depicts recognizable objects or subjects. However, it is not limited to realism. For example, an artist might choose to represent a landscape in a whimsical or stylized manner, yet it remains identifiable as a landscape. This form of art is a dialogue between reality and interpretation, where the viewer can discern the subject matter through the artist's lens. Abstract Expressionism, ah, a movement close to my heart, is a splendid blend of emotion, spontaneity, and often tumultuous expression. Originating in the 1940s and 1950s, this movement was a rebellion against traditional art forms, emphasizing a non-representational approach. Artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko championed this style, where the canvas became an arena to express emotions and deep-seated feelings. The art produced under this banner is visceral, often created through aggressive brushwork, drips, and splatters, making the act of painting as significant as the finished work itself. In essence, my dear, these forms of art are different languages through which artists communicate their innermost thoughts, feelings, and perceptions of the world. Each has its unique charm and complexity, akin to a splendidly curated gallery of human expression. #creativity #art #abstract #figurative #representational #abstractexpressionism #marcelaoliviadorantes

Mark Rothko

Jackson Pollock

EXHIBITIONS ART IN 2023

The art world of 2023 was indeed a cornucopia of historical revelations and contemporary expressions. At the heart of these revelations was the astonishing discovery of Artemisia Gentileschi's "Susanna and the Elders" at Hampton Court. Hidden in plain sight and misattributed for centuries, this painting's re-emergence not only redefined Gentileschi's oeuvre but also shed new light on the narrative of women in art history.

In parallel, the legacy of Joshua Reynolds was re-evaluated and celebrated, marking the 300th anniversary of his birth. His influence as the first President of the Royal Academy and his contributions to the canon of British art were deeply explored, notably through an exhibition at The Box in Plymouth. The joint acquisition of his "Portrait of Mai" by the National Portrait Gallery and the J. Paul Getty Museum further exemplified the enduring relevance of his work.

2023 was also a year that saw a remarkable array of art fairs across the globe. From Art Basel in Hong Kong to Art Paris, Enter Art Fair in Scandinavia, Investec Cape Town Art Fair, Market Art Fair, and EXPO CHICAGO, these events celebrated a diversity of contemporary artworks and attracted a global community of artists, collectors, and enthusiasts. They were crucial in shaping the art market and cultural discourse of the year.

Major exhibitions around the world also left indelible marks. "Bob Thompson: This House Is Mine" at the Hammer Museum, for instance, revisited Renaissance masterpieces with a contemporary perspective. The Museum of Modern Art's "Georgia O’Keeffe: To See Takes Time" highlighted her innovative works on paper. In Tokyo, Hiroshi Sugimoto’s retrospective at the Shoto Museum of Art combined his photographs with historical artifacts, presenting a unique dialogue between past and present.

Surrealism, a movement with its roots in the early 20th century, experienced a significant resurgence in 2023. This renewed interest was evident in several museum exhibitions and permeated various forms of visual culture, from galleries to films. It reflected a collective sentiment of our times, commenting on the complexities and absurdities of the modern world

As the year 2023 comes to a close in the art world, a most exhilarating period indeed! It was a year that saw the confluence of traditional mastery and contemporary dynamism, particularly in the vicinity of London's hallowed Royal Academy. Across the street, the Flux Exhibition, held in Piccadilly, emerged as a remarkable counterpoint to the retrospective of Marina Abramović at the Academy.

The Flux Exhibition, a veritable feast for the senses, showcased an array of contemporary artists whose works embodied the spirit of innovation and creative audacity that defines our times. Among the illustrious artists was MOD Marcela Olivia Dorantes, my canvases were nothing short of a revelation.

Dorantes’ works, particularly "Joan of Arch and the Turtle" and "Joan of Arch and the Lion", I presented an intriguing interplay of historical narratives and animal symbolism. These paintings, rich in texture and depth, spoke volumes of my artist's ability to juxtapose the legendary figure of Joan of Arc with animal motifs, thereby weaving a tapestry of myth and reality. The choice of animals, a turtle and a lion, could be seen as metaphors for resilience and courage – qualities synonymous with Joan of Arc herself.

In addition to these, the series "Dreaming London" Cats paintings are a delightful ode to the city's less celebrated inhabitants. Painted with a finesse that captured the enigmatic aura of felines, this work resonated with the vibrancy of London's urban landscape. The backdrop of Tower Bridge not only anchored the paintings in a specific locale but also added a sense of grandeur and history. The artist self portrait explored her attendance to other art exhibitions in the city notably Tim Patrick.

The Flux Exhibition, in juxtaposition with the Abramović retrospective, encapsulated the art trends of 2023. Here we saw a dialogue between the boundary-pushing performance art of Abramović and the evocative, narrative-rich paintings of Dorantes and her contemporaries. This synergy highlighted a crucial trend in contemporary art – the blurring of lines between different art forms and eras, and the creation of a space where diverse artistic expressions could coexist and converse.

#fluxexhibition #joanofarch #dreaminglondon #marcelaoliviadorantes #marinaabramovic #royalacademy #londongalleries #timpatrickartist #artemisiaGentileschi #bobthompson #thishouseismine #hammermuseum #hamptoncourt #joshuareynolds #georgiao'keeffe #hiroshisugimoto #watergategallery

The rediscovered painting, Susanna and the Elders, forms a significant addition to Artemisia’s extant body of work and sheds fresh light on her creative process and her time in London in the late 1630s, working alongside her father at the court of Charles I and Henrietta Maria.

"Bob Thompson: This House Is Mine" at the Hammer Museum

Joshua Reynolds: Portrait of Mai (Omai)

Hayward Gallery Director Ralph Rugoff gives you an introductory video tour of Hiroshi Sugimoto, the largest survey to date of the photographer’s work

MoMA Exhibition MoMA, Floor 3, 3 South The Edward Steichen Galleries "To see takes time," Georgia O'Keeffe

MOD Marcela Olivia Dorantes - Dreaming London

Tim Patrick Artist Living Room from Exhibition that MOD visited

Marina Abramović at the Royal Academy Performance artist

The continuum of Artistic Endeavor

As one traipses through the opulent corridors of art history, it becomes resoundingly clear that artistry is anything but solitary. It's a confluence of inspirations, drawing upon a tapestry woven with admiration, influence, and profound interconnectivity.

France's streets, bedecked with the hues of Impressionism, gifted us the genius of Monet and Degas. Their brushstrokes, although singular, drew deeply from the communal spirit of their epoch. The British Isles, in their contrasting serenity and turbulence, saw the rise of luminaries like David Hockney, whose vivid landscapes and portraits painted the multifaceted British experience. Alongside him was Francis Bacon, capturing the human form in its rawest, most visceral manifestations.

The expansive landscapes of the USA resonated with the indelible mark of Andy Warhol. His Pop Art, be it a celebration or critique of the consumerist ethos, reverberated with global tones, transcending mere American sensibilities.

The sunlit alleys of Italy whispered tales to Amedeo Modigliani, his portraits a seamless meld of Italian grace and broader European motifs. And as we trace this journey of interconnectedness, we are reminded of the solemn legacy left by the late Zada Habib. Her oeuvre, a testimony to her genius, resonates with depth and nuance, echoing the artistic maestros and architects who might have inspired her.

The web of artistic creation is vast and intricate. Each stroke by Hockney might well whisper tales of Impressionist France. Warhol's avant-garde sensibilities perhaps drew from European abstractions. Tracy Elms, with her contemporary vibrancy, might subtly channel the intensity of a Bacon or the depth of a Habib.

To stand before an artwork is to immerse oneself in a dialogue — a conversation that spans eras, cultures, and souls. Every canvas is a symphony, with notes from artists past and present, harmonising in timeless unity.

#monet #degas #zadhabib #tracyelms #francisbacon #hockney #amedeomdigliani #

To Create: I am an Artist I create - no labels

In an elegant dance of artistry that might remind one of the revered work of J.M.W. Turner, my creative process is predicated upon a thorough examination of my subject matter. However, it must be stated that, akin to the Romantic visionary William Blake, my finest inspiration often arrives in the hush of dreams. These fantastical revelations assail me with the sharp, sudden force of a lightning bolt, unveiling a panorama of insight and vision.

To better apprehend these celestial flashes, I engage in an exploration of their essence. Like Damien Hirst and his fascination with the perpetual tensions between life and death, I delve into the sacred geometry that binds our existence. I wade through the nebulous void of the subconscious, gleaning fragments of understanding as if they were glimmering nuggets of gold, and sketch them into reality.

Thus, I ready my paints, meticulously assembling and mixing my palette. My approach here is reminiscent of the venerable David Hockney, whose extraordinary use of color evokes profound emotional resonance. The analogue of preparing my tools is as critical as the act of creation itself—a meditative process that purifies my intent and steadies my hand.

As I surrender to the divine rhythm of creation, I find myself in a duet with the canvas, reminding one of the inimitable Lucian Freud. Hours evaporate as each stroke imbues life into my creation. Like Freud, I too begin with layers of underpainting, the undertones that set the stage for the intense and pure hues that are yet to follow.

This layered approach to painting, echoing the prodigious work of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, allows for a nuanced depth and complexity. It invites the subconscious to engage with the canvas, building a bridge between the viewer's rational cognition and a broader, transcendental understanding. This cyclical progression from subconscious to conscious, from ethereal visions to tangible artistry, is the crux of my art.

My intention, through this painstaking yet rewarding endeavor, is to provoke a shift in perception and imbue the viewer with a renewed sense of continuity—a harmonious amalgamation of the conscious and the subconscious, the physical and the ethereal. One might even dare to say it's an attempt to make the viewer privy to the celestial enlightenment that I, myself, experience in those enlightening dreams.

Indeed, my artwork attempts to encapsulate the experience of being a woman in a world that often lacks the understanding of our tribulations. It expresses, subtly yet powerfully, the emotional landscape inhabited by all women—struggles, hopes, triumphs, and defeats. Think, perhaps, of the introspective expressions of Gwen John or the resolute faces penned by Dame Laura Knight—each a testament to the resilience of the feminine spirit.

Yet within the harsh realities that often pervade pedestrian life, I find a profound beauty—much as Dame Barbara Hepworth found grace in the rigid forms of her sculptures. The relentless routines and tasks, the seemingly mundane, serve as a canvas upon which the vibrant colors of resilience, determination, and hope are painted. They imbue every stroke of my brush with a profound authenticity, resonating with the shared human experience.

So, you see, this dance between light and dark, between the euphoria of existence and the inevitability of cessation, exists not only on the canvas but within the very fabric of our lives. It's an immortal dance, a timeless symphony that transcends the barriers of the mundane, invoking a cathartic release that enriches the soul and celebrates the shared human spirit. Like the unique juxtapositions in a Rachel Whiteread piece, it seeks to portray that despite everything, the essence of life—its pulse, its beat—continues to reverberate with undying tenacity.

While circumstances dictated a certain isolation, constraining me to shy away from opportunities to experience the social norms of my peers, such as learning to play the piano or join the Girl Scouts. I found strength and solace in my unique journey. Just as L.S. Lowry found his voice in the depiction of the industrial landscapes that surrounded him, I found mine amidst the world I was steeped in. This peculiar loneliness, this sense of feeling 'mute and ugly,' imbued my art with a poignant realism, akin to the raw vulnerability often found in the works of Francis Bacon.

Like Bacon, my experiences formed a fundamental part of my creative process, a process that is both my refuge and my voice. Through my art, I navigate the labyrinth of my emotions and experiences, presenting them with a depth and a perspective that is uniquely mine, a journey that is both deeply personal and universal in its appeal.

#fluxexhibition #watergategallery #londongalleries #romegalleriaborghese #chelseagalleries #nycgalleries #lauraigallery #washingtonian #georgetowner #burlingtonmagazine #americanuniversityalumni #ualart #thefluxreview #marcelaolivadorantes #damianhirst #francisbacon #lucianfreud #gwenjohn

WILLIAM BLAKE

JMW TURNER

FRANCIS BACON

LS LOWRY

ROSETTI

FRANCIS BACON

RACHEL WHITEREAD

DAME LAURA KNIGHT

GWEN JOHN

MOD

LUCIAN FREUD

Damian Hirst

Saints in Christianity - 2024

One of the featured works in the exhibition centers around the story of St. Margaret of Antioch, a prominent female saint recognized for her unwavering commitment to Christ despite the numerous obstacles she encountered along her journey. The artwork captures the moment when St. Margaret is said to have been visited by an arc filled with heavenly voices, providing her with guidance on how to remain faithful in the face of surrounding evil forces. This depiction serves as a testament to her strength and serves to inspire viewers to reflect on their own steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Another highlight of the exhibition is an artistic interpretation of Joan of Arc, a young French peasant girl born in 1412. Inspired by Rubens' portrait of the saint, this artwork celebrates Joan's historical significance while providing a platform for contemplation and inspiration. The composition masterfully captures the essence of Joan's character, inviting viewers to recognize the enduring relevance of her unwavering faith, courage, and resilience. The artwork pays homage to the historical depiction of the saint, infusing it with classical beauty and reverence. Through this interpretation, viewers are prompted to contemplate the transformative power of courage in the face of adversity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all sentient beings and the universal need for bravery.

In essence, this art exhibition curated by Marcela Olivia Dorantes celebrates the impactful presence of patron saints in Christianity. It invites visitors to engage with the stories and legacies of figures such as St. Michael the Archangel, St. Margaret of Antioch, and Joan of Arc, prompting them to reflect on their own faith, courage, and resilience. Through the artistic lens employed in the interpretations, the exhibition encapsulates the timeless essence of these saints, inviting viewers to contemplate the significance of their unwavering convictions and the transformative power they embody.

It will take place in an abandoned Convent where St. Margaret was the Patron

BLUE 75 Ocean Exhibition

My latest paintings have submerged themselves into my experience of the ocean, my human perspective when it comes to our human effect on the ocean, and my love for animals. Ocean is the mother of us all, and we must open ourselves up to our planet’s oceanic water, its surfaces and its depths, to revere our ocean, our animal life, and our ecosystem.

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