Monday, July 23, 2012

the glory of painting

detail from Interior: Green and White Couch
This is an image from the Mickalene Thomas show now on at the Santa Monica Museum of Art at Bergamot Station.  The show is titled “Origin of the Universe” referencing  the well-known painting by Gustave Courbet. Full of vibrant colors and with sometimes startling but effective compositions, these paintings will wake you up and quicken your pulse.  There are many portraits, landscapes and paintings of interiors in the show that are full of glitter and glam, but in a good way.  It is heartening to see an artist so free to express herself with such exuberance.

The show is up until August 19, 2012 and definitely worth a visit.  This is another excellent show from this gem of a museum.
PS:  
This show is now up in an expanded version at the Brooklyn Museum. For more images and a great review by Roberta Smith try this link. Roberta Smith review in the NY Times   (9/28/12)