World-Class Exhibits Wow at The Denver Art Museum
Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism
Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism has been extended through Monday, Jan. 15, at the Denver Art Museum (DAM). The exhibition features more than 80 remarkable paintings by 37 women artists, created in Paris from 1850 to 1900, a time of great social, cultural and artistic change. These women from across Europe and America migrated to this epicenter of art to further their careers. They range from well-known artists such as Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt and Rosa Bonheur, to painters who are lesser-known in the United States, including Anna Ancher and Paula Modersohn-Becker.
While Paris was known as a cosmopolitan city in the late 19th century, society was still very restrictive for women. They were not allowed to attend the École des Beaux-Arts (School of Fine Arts)—the country’s most important art academy—until 1897, and it was not socially acceptable to frequent public spaces, such as cafes, to work on their art and mingle with their peers without a male companion. Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism traces how women pursued their artistic aspirations, despite societal challenges, and helped create an alternative system that included attending private academies, forming their own organizations and exhibiting independently.
A fully illustrated exhibition catalog is available in The Shop at the Denver Art Museum and online. Her Paris is a special ticketed exhibition; advance ticket purchase is recommended. Tickets for youth five and under free, ages 6-18 are $5. #HerParisatDAM
Mary Cassatt (American, 1844-1926), Autumn, Portrait of Lydia Cassatt, 1880. Oil on canvas; 36-5/8 x 25-5/8 in.
Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris.
Photo: Bulloz ©RMN-Grand Palais/Art Resource, NY. Courtesy American Federation of Arts
Through July 8, 2018
Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie is the first in a contemporary art series at the DAM featuring contemporary artists. Xiaoze Xie has a lifelong passion for books. In his worldview, books are conveyers of prestige and signifiers of collective cultural knowledge: repositories of historical meaning, cultural conflict and political strife. For Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie, the artist has created still-life paintings of books, videos and installations based on banned and forbidden books in China. Born in a small town in Guangdong Province, China, at the beginning of the Chinese Cultural Revolution in 1966, Xie now splits his time between studios in Beijing and Palo Alto, California, where he is the Paul L. & Phyllis Wattis Professor of Art at Stanford University. New Eyes On rotations will be featured every six months in the Logan Gallery and Fuse Box on level 4 of the Hamilton Building. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.
Conversation with a Curator: Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie
Jan. 5, 4 p.m
Curator Rebecca Hart will discuss how artist Xiaoze Xie studies books to understand their role in society, much like the Chinese scholar-artists of bygone centuries. Meet at 4 p.m. in the elevator lobby of level 4 of the Hamilton Building. Conversations with Curators feature lively discussions with different curators on the first Friday of the month. Included with general admission; no reservations are needed.
Xiaoze Xie, The Morgan Library and Museum (f138), 2017. Oil paint on canvas; 48 x 82 in.
Collection of Jerry Neumann. © Xiaoze Xie.
Jan. 12, 6-7:30 p.m.
How does art play a role in helping us discuss contemporary social issues? Find out at the DAM’s new program, Exchange. Come face to face with artworks that can help us explore the pressing questions we have about current events and lend your voice (or maybe even find it) as part of our unfolding conversation. Using Eyes On: Xiaoze Xie as a starting point, we’ll explore the theme of free speech with comic Janae Burris, poet Jen Harris, Sarah Magnatta from the University of Denver and Jim Walsh, founder of the Romero Theater Troupe. Meet in the elevator lobby on level 4 of the Hamilton Building. Included with general admission, which is free for members.
ALSO ON VIEW
Then, Now, Next: Evolution of an Architectural Icon
Through Feb. 25, 2018
Punctuating the DAM’s North Building revitalization project, Then, Now, Next: Evolution of an Architectural Icon is an exhibition on the renowned modernist building, its history and its future. The exhibition features historical photos, original architectural sketches, building models and project renderings to tell the story of the North Building’s evolution. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.
Linking Asia: Art, Trade, and Devotion
Through April 1, 2018
Linking Asia features approximately 150 sculptures, ceramics, textiles, scrolls and other multi-dimensional works from 20 countries spanning 2,000 years. Linking Asia will dive deeper into the exchange of ideas, beliefs and techniques along the Silk Road trade routes, which profoundly affected the development of Asian art. The presentation explores themes such as artistic inspiration and cross-cultural hybridization of styles, trade by land and sea, ink art trends in East Asia and religious link s before the 20th century. Works on view from the DAM’s Asian art collection will include visitor favorite Shiva, King of Dancers (Shiva Nataraja) and many on view for the first time, such as objects from three shipwrecks. Guided tours are available daily at 2 p.m. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.
Six-Armed Dancing God Ganesha, 1000s–1100s, India.
Stone; 24.5 x 14.5 x 4.5 in. Denver Art Museum: Museum purchase. 1968.24
Ganesha: The Playful Protector
Through Oct. 28, 2018
Ganesha: The Playful Protector was developed in collaboration with the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Widely worshiped since the 400s, Ganesha originated in India as a Hindu god who removes obstacles and is known for granting wealth and success. Imagery of Ganesha has crossed both geographic and religious boundaries, inspiring numerous representations throughout the Asian subcontinent over time—all of which are surveyed in the exhibition to showcase the iconographic changes of this popular Hindu deity. Sculptures, paintings and textiles provide a spectrum of ancient to modern representations of Ganesha. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.
Through Oct. 28, 2018
Inspired by imagination and the joy of discovery, Denver artist Jaime Molina’s interactive and immersive installation gives kids and adults alike the opportunity to sit on boxes painted with faces, play in a garden of fabricated cacti and experience an imaginary place where paintings on the walls flow into 3-D objects. During the year the installation will be on view, Molina plans to work with groups to paint different sections of the mural and installation. Included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.
Through May 19, 2019
Stampede: Animals in Art brings together more than 300 objects from the DAM’s collection, demonstrating how animals have captivated artists throughout history. Stampede creates an opportunity for visitors to discover and consider the role animals play through themes such as personal connections with animals, how animal materials have been used in art, how animals are used to tell stories or represent political ideas and how artists use animals in imaginative ways. Also included in the expansive display is an interactive space where visitors can learn about the creative process behind the Never Alone video game created by Native North Alaskan storytellers. Guided tours are available daily at 1 p.m., and a Spanish tour of Stampede is offered on Free First Saturday. Both the exhibition and tours are included with general admission, which is free for youth 18 and younger.
Papua New Guinea artist, Malagan Figures, mid-1900s.
Wood, paint, fiber and shell; 88 x 12 x 41 in.
Denver Art Museum: Gift of Joan and George Anderman, 2001.177A-C
ADULT LECTURES & PROGRAMS
Beyond America’s Heartland: Regionalism and the Art of the American West
Jan. 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
This symposium focuses on regionalism, a specifically American art form. Guest speakers will expand upon the well-known artist triumvirate of Thomas Hart Benton, John Steuart Curry and Grant Wood to explore regionalism’s impact on artists working in the West. Tickets are $25 student, $55 DAM members, $65 others. For additional information, visit http://denverartmuseum.org/westernsymposium, or email symposium@denverartmuseum.org. Sponsored by the Petrie Institute of Western American Art.
Fiber Art in the Museum with Steven Frost
Jan. 5, 12 & 19, 2–4:30 p.m.
Taking inspiration from the DAM’s current exhibitions, this artmaking course introduces participants to working with fabric, yarn and thread in a contemporary art practice. The course will consist of several material experiments and one major project, a soft or fabric sculpture influenced by artworks in the collection. Students will visit the museum’s collections for inspiration, listen to brief weekly lectures on textile art history and integrate sewing, weaving, embroidery and pattern making into their final project. $65 members, $75 nonmembers.
Jan. 16, 1 p.m.
This month, get to know Willy, Argus and Lucky, the whimsical, expressive and impressive sculptures by Deborah Butterfield (now in their new home in the Hamilton Building), with DAM teaching specialist Molly Medakovich. Join us on the third Tuesday of each month for Mindful Looking as we slow down and savor a single work of art. Included in general admission, free for members.
Jan. 17, noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.)
Professor Tamara Bentley’s talk will examine three Chinese incised lacquer folding screens produced between 1665 and 1800. Her analysis will highlight the ways in which these Chinese screens borrowed “foreigner” imagery both from earlier Japanese Nanban screens and from earlier paintings of Mongols hunting. Those “barbarian” constructs were even marketed back to Europe. Tickets range from $5-$10. Sponsored by the Asian Art Association, a DAM support group, and Curator’s Circle.
Shantell Martin at work in downtown Denver. Photo by Jon Paciaroni.
Logan Lectures Spring 2018—Artists on Art: From Any Angle
Shantell Martin: Jan. 17, 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)
This spring, DAM Contemporaries celebrates artists speaking about their work with four fresh perspectives. The first speaker is London-born and New York-based Shantell Martin. Her largest artwork to date covers the sidewalks of a downtown Denver plaza for the next 2-3 years. Known for simple, strong black and white marks that invite viewers to share in her creative process, her aesthetic offers immediate engagement. Tickets go on sale Dec. 26: Free for DAMC members and students with valid ID, $10 DAM volunteers, $15 DAM members, $20 nonmembers. The Logan Lecture series is sponsored by Vicki and Kent Logan in affiliation with DAM Contemporaries, a DAM support group.
Animate Architecture in the Yucatán Peninsula
Jan. 18, 1:30 p.m.
Ancient Maya art offers a window into a world imbued with supernatural forces, a place where rulers interacted with gods and mountains were anthropomorphic beings. The same blurring between the natural and supernatural realms was reflected in the built environment, where structures could be living things. Art historian Dr. Meghan Rubenstein specializes in the ancient Americas. Her lecture will explore the concept of animate architecture using examples from the Puuc, Chenes and Río Bec regions in Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula. Tickets available at the door. Sponsored by Alianza de las Artes Americanas, a DAM support group.
Untitled 2018 Season Kicks off with Nathan Hall and Laura Ann Samuelson
Jan. 26, 6-10 p.m.
In 2018, Untitled: Final Fridays get even more creative! Join us for the season kick-off and our first artist-designed lineup as composer Nathan Hall and dancer Laura Ann Samuelson guest curate the night’s events. Stop by for a night of offbeat art and fun! Produced with local creatives, Untitled Final Fridays is the museum’s monthly late night program featuring workshops, performances and tours with a twist. Experience the museum in an entirely different way—every time. Included in general admission; free for youth 18 and younger. College students with valid ID receive 2-for-1 admission to Untitled Final Fridays.
FAMILY FUN
Jan. 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
On the first Saturday of every month, enjoy the museum’s art collections and non-ticketed exhibitions without spending a dime! Check out some of the DAM’s many family-friendly activities and enjoy bilingual fun with a free Spanish language tour of Stampede: Animals in Art at 1 p.m., Create-n-Takes and the storytelling program Cuentos del Arte at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Free general admission tickets are available onsite starting at 10 a.m. (Special exhibition ticket required for Her Paris.) Free First Saturday is made possible by Your 6 Hometown Toyota Stores and the citizens who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). #ThanksSCFD #GraciasSCFD
Through May 19, 2019
Explore animal-themed artmaking activities in the DAM’s newest family space on level 3 of the Hamilton Building. Created to celebrate Stampede: Animals in Art, A Walk in the Woods includes interactive activities including a birdwatching challenge, building with branches and the chance to create your own shadowbox displaying your favorite animals. Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.
Jan. 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Drop in with your little ones, aged 3 to 5, on the second Wednesday of the month. Meet up with other tots and their grownups for story time, artmaking and more! Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.
Foxy and Shmoxy: Art Detectives
Jan. 14, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Two smart and hilarious foxes are ready to solve art mysteries in the galleries. Bring the whole family to help Foxy and Shmoxy sniff out clues and unseen treasures in the museum. To find the foxes, visit the Family Activity Cart on level 1 of the Hamilton Building, pick up a letter from the Fox Box and follow the riddles into the galleries. Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.
Winter Break and Art Emergency: Stampede Edition
Through Jan 7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Dec. 25)
During Winter Break at the Denver Art Museum, the 3-D Studio, Create-n-Takes and much more will be available daily (except Dec. 25). See performances of the family-friendly play, Art Emergency: Stampede Edition, at 11 a.m. weekdays during Winter Break (except Dec. 25, Jan. 1 and 4). Included with general admission, which is free for kids 18 and younger. Special exhibition ticket required for Her Paris; free for kids five and younger, $5 for youth 6-18.
ARTISTS ONSITE
3-D Studio and Weekend Artist Demonstrations
Through May 19, 2019
Explore the expansive and varied realm of 3-D art in the 3-D Studio. Build an abstract sculpture at our Purely Paper activity, draw inspiration from Stampede to create your own animal at Wound in Wire or become part of the art as you work together with family and friends to contribute to a collaborative sculpture designed by artist Pam Fortner.
Every Saturday and Sunday from noon-3 p.m., see an artist at work on 3-D art, from sculpture, to 3-D printing, to drawings that turn 3-D right before your eyes! Included with general admission; kids 18 and younger free. No reservations required.
Weekend Artist Demonstrations in January – Saturdays & Sundays, noon–3 p.m.
January 6-7: Cal Duran, Clay Totem Design
January 13-14: Judy Gardner, 3-D Printing
January 20-21: Andryn Arithson, 3-D Animal Puppetry
January 27-28: Bonnie Roman, Handmade Paper Sculpture
NORTH BUILDING RENOVATION PROJECT
To expand access during the renovations, the Hamilton Building is now open seven days a week. Enjoy DAM exhibitions, programming and hands-on creativity every day of the week—including Monday! Note: The museum will be open Dec. 24 and Jan. 1, but closed on Dec. 25.
For ongoing information about the North Building renovation, visit denverartmuseum.org/north.
DAM WEBSITE LAUNCHES BILINGUAL PAGES
The DAM website has added several pages in Spanish, offering information on hours, admission prices, parking details, exhibitions, and family and kids programs, including bilingual options. For more information, visit https://denverartmuseum.org/bienvenidos.
Note: This is an overview of January happenings and does not include all exhibitions, events and programs available at the DAM this month. Please visit the museum website for complete information.
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