Clyfford Still Museum's New Exhibit: A Deep Dive into Competing Desires and Healing

The Clyfford Still Museum (CSM) is set to unveil a thought-provoking exhibition titled Held Impermanence, curated by the distinguished Katherine Simóne Reynolds. Opening on January 25, this unique showcase encourages visitors to explore the complexities of competing desires through a captivating blend of Still’s iconic works and intimate archival materials.

Katherine Simóne Reynolds, an award-winning filmmaker, artist, and curator, draws from the rich collection of CSM to create a narrative that resonates on multiple emotional levels. The exhibition promises to challenge viewers to reflect on the intricacies of healing and the passage of time, inviting them to consider how personal experiences influence their perception of Still’s art.

Reynolds emphasizes that the artworks displayed are not only acclaimed masterpieces, but also pieces that embody the struggles and transitions faced by the artist. The exhibition boldly addresses the notion that art can carry the scars of its own history, representing various states of healing through their textures and conditions. Viewers will encounter paintings that reveal both beauty and wear, demonstrating that every piece has undergone its own journey.

In the Museum's prominent six galleries, visitors will be prompted to contemplate how the act of healing changes their perspectives on Still's oeuvre. In her curatorial statement, Reynolds invites the audience to engage with the artwork not just visually but also through their own bodily experiences, fostering a deeper connection to the themes of mortality and impermanent existence.

CSM’s director, Joyce Tsai, describes the exhibition as a "poetic meditation on love, grief, and care," where the dialogue between Still's artworks and Reynolds' insights allows for fresh interpretations. The exhibition also includes materials from the Museum's archives, showcasing personal letters, notes, and recordings that enrich the narrative.

Reynolds has carefully selected paintings that exhibit significant condition issues, using them as a focal point to highlight the complexities of art conservation. This choice accentuates the emotional narratives inherent to the pieces and emphasizes the physicality of healing both within the artworks and ourselves.

In alignment with the exhibition, CSM will provide supplementary resources to enhance visitor experience. A companion booklet titled Essays on Held Impermanence will accompany the exhibition, alongside a family-focused guide titled Exploring Feelings and Art. Both resources aim to foster discussions and reflection regarding the themes presented in the artworks.

Throughout the exhibition’s duration, which runs until September 14, 2025, the museum will host various programs and events, including a performance lecture by Reynolds on February 5. This promises to be a unique opportunity for visitors to deepen their understanding and engagement with the subjects explored in the exhibition.

Held Impermanence is not just an art exhibition; it is a journey into the heart of human emotions, experiences, and the wisdom that can be gained through understanding our impermanence. By examining the delicate balance between holding on and letting go, visitors will be invited to reflect upon their own lives and relationships with their surroundings, following their own unique paths of healing and personal growth.

For further information about CSM and its upcoming events related to the exhibition, the museum encourages the public to visit their official website.

Topics Entertainment & Media)

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