“Things are going fantastically well at the Taubman [Museum of Art],” said Amy Moorefield, the deputy director of exhibitions, who came aboard about a year ago from the Wilson Museum on the Hollins University campus. Moorefield had help put that gallery on the Roanoke art world map. “We’re in the midst of working on our new strategic plan that’s going to chart our course for the next few years,” Moorefield said recently.
The Taubman continues its Thursday Night Live late hours (5-9pm) event, which features live music. “We have really developed a great following,” said Moorefield. The galleries are open late on Thursday nights – which allows visitors to view some of the new fall exhibitions now opening up. “People come consistently – we’re very pleased …by having more hours in the evening it gives people more opportunity [to visit].”
Starting with “Between Two Worlds: Annette Nancarrow in Mexico and America”, which opened last week, the Taubman Museum of Art will debut four new exhibitions by mid-October. Nancarrow (1907-1992) was an ex-patriate who was less known historically than more famous friends and contemporaries like Frida Kahlo (played by Penelope Cruz in a movie) and Diego Rivera.
“Her work is just simply exquisite … wonderful surreal images of bullfights, city scenes in Mexico…something for everyone,” said Moorefield – including a large Nancarrow mural being brought in from Mexico for the showing. Ex-Taubman executive director David Mickenburg, who will also speak at a members opening on October 10, curated the show.
On September 27 “Paul Caponigro and John Paul Caponigro: Generations” showcases their photography work – Paul, the father, displaying black-and-white images borne in a darkroom. Meanwhile his son John is steeped in the more modern digital photography techniques.
Viewers can decide which they like more or what they like about each technique. “These are two very preeminent photographers and we are showcasing their works side-by-side,” said Moorefield. She calls John Paul “a pioneer in digital photography.” He will come in to speak on December 4.
“Beg, Borrow and Steal from the Rubell Family Collection, Miami” (coming October 11) presents art of many media from Don and Mera Rubell, longtime Florida collectors who want to honor past generations of artists. Moorefield said the Rubells started collecting in the 1960’s when Mera was a Head Start teacher – saving a portion of her paycheck for art. “These artists [from their collection] wound up becoming household names,” noted Moorefield – including Andy Warhol. Over 90 pieces – paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos and installations – will be on display.
Then finally a Roanoker gets their due; “Gerry Bannan: Vanitas” features large scale drawings reminiscent of 16-17th century still life paintings – and all drawn with a BIC black pen. “You’ll see images of skulls, decaying fruit and all sorts of other little mementos,” said Moorefield; “they’re very gorgeous still life images.”
Moorefield said Bannan spent two years working on the project. The Taubman will also install another mural, “In it for the long run,” on the wall outside the Taubman near the café patio. Scott “Tubes” Norell is the artist. “He’s has several murals around the community,” said Moorefield; the new mural will feature galloping horses and should be completed by October 10. The Taubman is planning on two murals a year in the same spot.
All four exhibitions run through at least January; Bannan and the Caponigros run until March. Admission to the Taubman Museum is free although for the Rubell Collection there is a $5.00 surcharge, something Moorefield said the Taubman will enact on occasion to help defray the cost of certain exhibitions that are brought in. (See taubmanmuseum.org for more information)
By Gene Marrano
