The Week in Art
The Mona Lisa's endless, and problematic, allure; Judy Chicago; Christian Schad and the New Objectivity
May 23, 2024
Martin Kemp discusses the challenges of displaying the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, Judy Chicago's exhibition at Serpentine North, and Christian Schad's self-portrait. Topics include the allure of the Mona Lisa, potential relocation, and ongoing mysteries, as well as Chicago's innovative retrospective exhibition blending analog and digital elements, and Shad's portrayal of strength in art during the New Objectivity movement.
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Quick takeaways
- The Louvre considers relocating the Mona Lisa due to overcrowding, sparking debate on preserving its intimacy versus accommodating mass viewing.
- Judy Chicago's 'Revelations' exhibition at Serpentine North showcases her feminist exploration through multidisciplinary art, challenging norms and weaving personal narratives.
Deep dives
Mona Lisa Dilemma at the Louvre
The Louvre is contemplating moving the Mona Lisa to a separate space due to overcrowding. Leonardo's masterpiece currently resides alongside works by Venetian artists, but the Louvre director acknowledges visitor challenges in viewing it. Suggestions include a 500 million euro special tunnel entrance. However, the painting's intimacy may be lost in mass viewing scenarios. Ongoing investigations into the sitter and landscape continue, with a geologist proposing a new location based on travels around Italy. The podcast delves into whether relocating the Mona Lisa would truly solve its overwhelming popularity.
