ON VIEW AT KIRKLAND MUSEUM:
In Thin Air–The Art of
Phyllis Hutchinson Montrose
The work of Colorado surrealist painter Phyllis Montrose
May 3 to July 14, 2013
Co-curated by Hugh Grant, Founding Director, and Christopher Herron, Collections Manager & Deputy Curator, with
Maya Wright, Exhibition Coordinator & Researcher
Over dinner when Hugh Grant asked Phyllis Hutchinson Montrose why she thought there were so many extraordinary surrealist artists in Colorado, she replied, “Well Hugh! It’s the altitude; the thin air; the lack of oxygen. We’re all loopy.” So what else could we do but title her exhibition, In Thin Air. Phyllis is certainly one of the greatest surrealist painters we have had in Colorado and consequently she has made contributions to American art. She is a Colorado native, born in 1928. Kirkland Museum is proud to mount a 54-year retrospective of her career, with paintings and prints from 1946 to 2000—with an accompanying catalog reproducing all the works in the exhibition and additional paintings that have been sold and are not available for display.
New Explorations in International Design 1878–2000
February 5—December 31, 2013; Curator: Hugh Grant
Though we had a soft opening in November, about 25 more extraordinary objects—from the December auctions of Sotheby’s, Christie’s, Quittenbaum (Munich) and others—have been added to our New Explorations exhibition. Now on display, as of February 5, are 101 objects which are new acquisitions (92), or haven’t been on view for over two years (9).
Key Facts:
- Not since 2009 has our International Decorative Art Collection been showcased at Kirkland Museum in such a comprehensive way.
- These 101 items have been added to all eleven of our design areas: Arts & Crafts, Aesthetic, Art Nouveau, Glasgow Style, Wiener Werkstätte, De Stijl, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Modern, Pop Art and Post-Modern—a methodically planned, comprehensive growth.
New Explorations in International Design 1878–2000 highlights our international design collection, recognized as one of the most important displays in North America, from the last quarter of the 19th century through the 20th century. Major, new acquisitions are integrated into the Kirkland’s salon settings.
The 101 recently displayed objects are in addition to the many new decorative art acquisitions that have been put on view over the last several years. Although a corresponding number of objects have been rotated off view, of course, there is a net gain of quality and diversity.
The hallmark salon atmosphere of Kirkland Museum, showing decorative and fine art together, has been maintained with inviting vignettes composed wherever possible. This makes us notably different in presentation from most other museums.
The earliest work is a tapestry (1878) by the English artist William Morris, the initial driving force of the Arts & Crafts movement. The most recent work is a six-piece coffee/tea service (2000) by the late Eva Zeisel, made in a limited edition of 200 by the Lomonosov Porcelain Factory, St. Petersburg, Russia. The items have been integrated into the design groupings at the Kirkland, replacing some objects previously on display, so that they enhance the remaining objects and better define each design style within their areas.
Objects in five different categories have been added: furniture (27), metal (17), ceramics (25), textiles (5) and glass (27). The diversity of these pieces strengthens both the educational experience and the entertainment experience.
Kirkland Museum interior featuring the Dubly Games Table, c.1927, by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann; Pair of Armchairs from the S.S. Normandie, 1932-34, by Pierre Patout.
Kirkland Museum interior featuring a Glasgow Style Cabinet, 1901-02, by E.A. Taylor; Side Chair (left), 1898-99, by Charles Rennie Mackintosh; Arm Chair (right), c.1900, by George Walton; Wall Hanging, c.1878, by William Morris.
Download the press release about this exhibition HERE (PDF).
OFF-SITE EXHIBITIONS WE ARE LOANING TO:
Modern Metal: Functional Design for Life
University Art Museum
Colorado State University, Fort Collins
January 26 – May 18, 2013
From Harry Bertoia’s iconic Diamond Chair to Archibald Knox’ pewter Bomb Vase to John Rideout’s Magnalite Teakettle, modern designers working in metal created extraordinary functional objects for modern life. Drawn from the collection of decorative art at Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art in Denver, this exhibition looks at metal and its uses in the functional design of household items. Included in the exhibition are works by well known designers including Peter Behrens, Marianne Brandt, Charles & Ray Eames, Hector Guimard, and Gio Ponti, among many others. Many of these mass produced objects were used daily in the home, but now, because of their innovations and beautiful designs, have become icons of modern life in the 20th century. This exhibition was co-curated by department of art professors Haley Bates and Eleanor Moseman with museum director Linny Frickman.
http://artmuseum.colostate.edu/modern-metal-functional-design-for-life/
Vance Kirkland Paintings
At the Denver Art Museum, Hamilton Building, 3rd floor
Kirkland Museum has loaned paintings by Vance Kirkland for a mini-retrospective of his work.
