Jump to content

Jack Whitten (MoMA)


Wilfrid

Recommended Posts

Member previews this week for a blockbuster that fills the whole of the sixth floor. A chronological survey of Jack Whitten's career, essentially in abstract art. Every decade, roughly, something important in his practice changes, and yet there's a consistent through-line, experimenting to find ways to convey thought and mood through abstract art that permits of "accidents." Also, he never stops with the acrylic.

Definitely a show to visit twice as there's really too much to take in. From this first visit, I loved the earlier, richly colored canvases; found the monochrome phase clever but less lovely; and was in two minds about the late "mosaics." The sculptures are great, clearly referencing traditional Nkondi figures covered in nails.

It's not the only party in town. There's a week left to see Futura 2000 at the Bronx Museum. I went out of curiosity, expecting the work of a graffiti artist with many music scene connections. Not so: Future developed into an adventurous abstract artist. As with Whitten, works are often on a very large scale. Much wilder than Whitten though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...