We love to make connections at the Brooklyn Museum, whether between objects in our own collections, special exhibitions happening simultaneously in different part of the building, or current events. Crossing Brooklyn offers several such opportunities.
For example, in 2012 we acquired several works by Yuji Agematsu, which were on view in the Contemporary galleries in 2013. Now you can see a related, more recent work by Agematsu – Table Work, 07-01-12…07-31-14 (2012-14)—as well. That was anticipated, but often the connections are more unexpected and serendipitous, as with Mary Mattingly. When we selected Mattingly’s Cube (2013) and Colure (2014), we weren’t thinking about Judith Scott. However, since Judith Scott—Bound and Unbound opened, we have been struck by the similarities between her and Mattingly’s carefully wrapped sculptures. To add to that synergy, recently Double Take: African Innovationswent on view with diverse examples of African art, including masks. Brendan Fernandes’ neon masks 1978.412.367, 1979.206.143, and 1979.206.200 (all 2010), based on African masks in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection, are now in direct dialogue with objects very similar to their inspirations. And, though only tallest and most eagle-eyed among us may have noticed, there’s a pair of tiny sneakers on the roof of Alfie’s Deli in Drew Hamilton’s Street Corner Project (2013). Not quite a Killer Heel, but close! Janine Antoni illuminates a poetic relationship between you and a work of art; ask about it at Coat Check.
You may have walked by the mural on Schenectady Avenue that appears in Steffani Jemison’s video Personal (2014). While Jemison’s video is open to a range of interpretations, it resonates in the wake of the deaths of Mike Brown and Eric Garner, connecting powerfully to both local geography and current events. Further afield, the recent restoration of U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba adds more layers to Duke Riley’s Trading with the Enemy (2012-13), which reflects on the long-standing trade embargo with that country.
Crossing Brooklyn closes January 4, but there’s still plenty of time to make even more connections! And don’t miss a very special Target First Saturday on January 3. The artists have taken over, curating an exciting evening of performance, music, dance, participatory activities, lectures, and more!
Posted by Rujeko Hockley