The Phillips Collection
Bonnard’s Worlds
March 2 – June 2, 2024
www.phillipscollection.org/event/2024-03-02-bonnards-worlds
The Phillips Collection is about to unveil a fascinating exploration of the life and work of the famous French artist Pierre Bonnard (1867–1947) with the upcoming exhibition entitled The Worlds of Bonnard. This exhibition marks an important moment as it is the first major showcase of Bonar’s art in the nation’s capital in two decades. Curated in collaboration with the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, Bonnard’s Worlds will feature 60 of the artist’s masterpieces sourced from collections around the world, including some rare gems.
What sets Bonnard’s Worlds apart is its unique approach, eschewing chronological or geographical constraints in favor of a thematic exploration rooted in intimacy. The exhibition delves into the various spheres that shaped Bonnard’s life and artistic vision, from the public domain to the most private corners of his inner world.
Bonnard, a versatile artist who defied categorization, was a key figure in the Post-Impressionist movement and a close associate of Claude Monet and Henri Matisse. His paintings are characterized by vivid colors and dynamic compositions that blur the boundaries between reality and imagination. Bonnard’s Worlds offers a comprehensive overview of his career, showing his evolution from decorative landscapes to more introspective depictions of domestic life.
A particularly poignant aspect of the exhibition is Bonnard’s exploration of private spaces, including intimate scenes with his longtime partner and muse, Marthe de Meligny Bonnard. Through his art, Bonnard invites viewers into his private world, capturing moments of tenderness and contemplation.
The legacy of Bonnard’s work is deeply intertwined with The Phillips Collection, thanks to the visionary collecting practices of its founder, Duncan Phillips. The museum’s extensive holdings of Bonnard art reflect Phillips’ belief in the restorative power of art and his commitment to creating an intimate space for artistic exploration. 1600 21st Street NW, Washington, DC. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm Reservations encouraged; members can enter. 202-387-2151
12 X 12 inches
IA&A at Hillyer Elaine Keough: “Every Place We’ve Been” Kim Richards: “Into the Desert” Alexandra Chiu: “Remember/Renew”
March 2-31
athillyer.org/upcoming-exhibitions/
Three diverse voices come together at IA&A at Hillyer’s March exhibitions, featuring Elaine Qiu, Kim Richards and Alexandra Chiu. Each artist delves deep into their personal experiences and universal themes, offering viewers a profound journey through introspection and reflection.
Elaine Keough’s Every Place We’ve Been invites viewers to confront the collective and personal upheavals of recent years. Through a collage of archival images and personal snapshots, Qiu explores the boundaries between history and memory, shedding light on the complexity of our shared human experience.
Kim Richards’ Into the Wilderness serves as a beacon of hope in turbulent times. With vibrant paintings steeped in spiritual symbolism, Richards conveys the comforting presence of divine guidance amid life’s challenges, offering comfort and restoration to the weary.
In Remember/Renew, Alexandra Chiu finds healing in remembering. Through intricate works on paper, Chiou captures the essence of cherished memories and the bittersweet journey of coming to terms with loss. Her art becomes a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and nostalgia.
Through their art, Qiu, Richards, and Chiou remind us of the beauty and complexity of the human experience, inviting us to pause, reflect, and find solace amid the uncertainties of life. 9 Hillyer Ct NW. Working hours: Monday, holiday. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 12pm to 6pm Saturday, Sunday, 12pm to 5pm 202-338-0680
National Museum of Women in the arts
International Women’s Day
March 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
nmwa.org/whats-on/signature-programs/international-womens-day/
The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) celebrated International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, with an all-day festival filled with both in-person and online experiences. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors immersed themselves in a variety of activities honoring women artists and their contributions.
for me’, 2021, ink and cut paper, 35 x 35 inches
Personal highlights included yoga sessions in the museum’s great hall, where participants found peace surrounded by inspiring artwork. In addition, artist Bibi Abel offered flash tattoos inspired by the museum’s collection, allowing visitors to mark their support for women artists in a unique way.
For those joining virtually, art historian, writer and artist Ferron Gipson gave a keynote address discussing the achievements of the women artists featured in her latest book. The online event was moderated by Elizabeth Ajuna, director of NMWA’s Betty Boyd Dettre Library and Research Center.
There were also spotlight talks featuring NMWA staff discussing featured artwork, as well as a gallery talk exploring disabled artists and disability activism in the museum’s collection. 1250 New York Ave. NW. 202-783-5000.
National Portrait Gallery
Star Power: Pictures from Hollywood
A Golden Age by George Hurrell
March 1, 2024 – January 5, 2025
npg.si.edu
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery will present “Star Power: Photographs from the Golden Age of Hollywood by George Hurrell,” an exhibit featuring images of movie royalty from the 1930s and 1940s.
The exhibition features notable film icons such as Jean Harlow, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Greta Garbo and James Wong Howe. Curated by Senior Curator of Photographs Ann Shumard, the exhibition draws from the National Portrait Gallery’s collection, which includes 70 recently acquired Hurrell portraits.
On display from March 1 to January 5, 2025, the exhibit features over 20 vintage photographs depicting Hollywood’s Golden Age stars at the height of their careers. Hurrell’s career began in 1930 at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), where he quickly became chief portrait photographer. His keen eye for lighting, composition and posing influenced industry standards of glamour.
Establishing his own studio on Sunset Boulevard in 1933, Hurrell continued to photograph actors for MGM and other major studios. The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the glamor of a bygone era of Hollywood. Eighth and G streets NW. Opening hours Open 7 days a week, 11:30 – 19:00. Closed on 25 December. 202-633-1000.
Phil Hutinet is the founding publisher of East City Art, DC’s visual art magazine. For more information, visit www.eastcityart.com