Yesterday was the last day of the latest exhibits at the Studio Museum in Harlem, and it was wonderful. Not far from the Apollo Theater, this is an exhibition space that highlights contemporary African American artists and their work.
There were amazing collage pieces, modern art-cum-furnishings (see the grouping of "Man Made" chairs, lighting, totems, tables, mirrors, etc. by Stephen Burks at right made of Senegalese baskets, rope and plastics), as well as pieces an interesting exhibit of works by musician-artist Benjamin Patterson who even tried to record the movements of ants in song.
The museum also mixed in pieces from the its permanent collection by young artists like Adam Pendleton (who guided a tour I took at the
Museo Del Barrio) who had a mural in the museum courtyard as well as a drawing hung just inside the museum lobby as part of a collections exhibit.
While you may have missed this show, don't be dismayed. There will be a new exhibit up and running July 14th. The exhibit-to-come will again have temporary and permanent pieces mixed together, and looks like it will be another winner (
Studio Museum Future Exhibits).
The two floor museum is well curated (well-presented and not too crowded) and it is a great way to spend about an hour on a Sunday (which are free thanks to support from Target). Also be sure to pick up a free copy of the "Studio", which is the museum's seasonal magazine. There is a great article about the latest winner of the Bravo show "Work of Art: The Next Great Artist," Abdi Farah (see photo at left of one of his finale winning pieces).
This is a great little museum definitely worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood. They had the current curator of the
Museum of Art and Design, MAD as their President and the legacy of this connection and professionalism shows. Also, if you are a fan of Sheila Bridges' African-American toile (also displayed at MAD), you can get some bedding here at the museum gift shop.
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