Yinka Shonibare MBE, Magic Ladders, 2013; mannequins, Dutch wax-printed cotton, leather, fiberglass, wooden ladders, paper-covered wooden books, globe heads, and steel, each 118 1/8 x (300 x 100 cm). Commissioned by the Barnes Foundation, supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. © Yinka Shonibare MBE. All rights reserved, DACS 2014. Courtesy James Cohan Gallery, New York/Shanghai and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. Photo: Stephen White
In this week’s roundup Yinka Shonibare MBE weaves together themes of history and education, James Turrell unveils never-before-seen works, Jeff Koons talks about his iconic balloon dogs, and more.
- Yinka Shonibare MBE: Magic Ladders is on view at the Barnes Foundation (Philadelphia, PA) through April 21. This show focuses on education, enlightenment, and opportunity—ideals embraced by the institution’s founder, Dr. Albert C. Barnes. Magic Ladders features recent works including Shonibare’s child-like mannequins climbing book-filled ladders, a reference to Dr. Barnes’s devotion to education.
- Sculptures by Lynda Benglis are included in Looking Back, Moving Forward: PMA Permanent Collection Retrospective, a special permanent collection exhibition at the Pensacola Museum of Art (Pensacola, FL). The exhibition marks the Museum’s 60th anniversary. Closes February 15.
- James Turrell’s self-titled exhibition opens at Pace Gallery (London, UK) on February 7. In this show, the artist reveals two never-before-seen works from his Wide Glass series. According to the press release, “With these new works, Turrell continues his exploration of technological possibilities combined with sensory practices, and invites the viewer to a meditative experience.” Closes April 5.
- Ann Hamilton recently spoke with award-winning broadcaster and author Krista Tippett in front of a sold out audience at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Hamilton discussed her work, including the event of a thread. Watch the video below:
- Jeff Koons was interviewed by the Brooklyn-based production company SandenWolff. Koons discussed the origins of his balloon dog and his long-running fascination with inflatables. Watch the video here.
- Raymond Pettibon was interviewed by Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth for the December 2013/January 2014 issue of Interview magazine. “When I make my work, it just goes out into the ether,” said Pettibon. “I have a thick skin and it just brings me down to earth, you know, to realize how out-there and far away and paltry the audience is that gets what I’m saying.”