The Museum's hard-working prep team is installing the paintings and sculptures for Sparks! The William T. Kemper Collecting Initiative which will open May 3. The exhibition will feature the 36 (and counting) pieces of art that have been acquired since 1999 when the William T. Kemper Foundation pledged $1 million a year for 10 years for the purchase of contemporary art.
Robert Storr, Dean of the Yale School of Art and former Senior Curator at New York’s Museum of Modern Art has been the Museum's advisor in the project since 2003. He joined the prep team this week to work on installing the exhibition.
Everything looks fresh and new and much larger when it is not hanging up on the wall. The Kerry James Marshall is in a perfect spot. The light from the windows above makes the glitter sparkle and glisten. And there is ample room for people to stand back and take in the whole painting.
I'm glad to see that one of my favorites is back! Six Secret Places by Anish Kapoor is waiting to be installed in a new spot.
Monday will be a big day. They will install El Anastui's Dusasa I in a very special location. The piece is made of recycled liquor bottle wrappers that have been flattened and hand stitched together. It measures 24 x 30 feet and may be installed on the floor or hanging on the wall. The curators will make the final decisions on how it will be displayed. I will definitely be there to give you a sneak peek.