Luminous Infatuation
Luminous Zag: Night (Exhibition View)
Louise Nevelson
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Museum Information:
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Exhibition:
Artistic License: Six Takes on the Guggenheim Collection
On Display:
May 24th, 2019 - January 12th, 2020
HOURS:
TU-SA: 10AM - 8PM
SU-MO: 10AM - 5:30PM
ADMISSION:
$25
I admit, I am one who is easily moved by art. An exceptional painting can make its way into my dreams and an unexpected installation can shift the way I view the world and my ability to show up for it.
And, yet, my response to Louise Nevelson’s work is different. Every time I come in contact with one of her pieces, it is as if someone I like has walked into the room. My breath quickens, my stomach flips, and I become completely mesmerized.
Last December, I had the honor of visiting the home of one of the top collectors in Miami. The house was overflowing with extraordinary art, and I happily missed much of it. I was so transfixed by Nevelson’s wood wall sculpture that I could hardly leave the dining room where it presided. I might still be there had my husband not informed me that it was time to leave.
Luminous Zag: Night
Louise Nevelson
So, I was literally giddy when I rounded the spiral of the Gugg and stumbled upon Nevelson’s monochromatic Luminous Zag: Night. The fact that Jenny Holzer had placed it so close to a Joan Mitchell—well, that almost did me in.
As we stood in front of Luminous Zag: Night, Eli G. asked what it was about Nevelson’s work that I loved. Tongue-tied, I tried to put to words how I felt, and comically I failed. This last week I read of the ‘myth and mystery’ of Nevelson’s art. And, I enjoyed learning as others pointed to the power and strength within the assembled found objects with which she worked. But, I hardly came up with anything better in response to Eli’s question than ‘because it’s just so dreamy’. My attraction to Nevelson’s work is far more visceral than intellectual.
If I lived in New York, I would visit Artistic License weekly until it comes down in mid-January. It is a very strong exhibition in its own right—well curated and thoughtful. But, let’s be honest, I would be going to see my crush.