The Mona Lisa's endless, and problematic, allure; Judy Chicago; Christian Schad and the New Objectivity
May 23, 2024
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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.
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.
Judy Chicago's Artistic Journey
Judy Chicago's multidisciplinary survey at the Serpentine in London highlights her significant career milestones. The exhibition, 'Revelations,' showcases drawings representing her evolution from the 1960s to new works. Chicago's emphasis on women's history and goddess worship reveals layers of meaning in her creations. The integration of color and texture in the gallery setting enhances the viewer experience and underscores Chicago's unique artistic language. Her work challenges norms, explores feminism, and intertwines personal narratives within a broader socio-cultural context.
Exploring Christian Shard's Self-Portrait with Model
Christian Shard's 'Self-Portrait with Model' from 1927 depicts a dichotomy of splendor and misery within the new objectivity movement. The painting's lush yet anguished portrayal hints at themes of vanity, introspection, and sexuality. Shard's precise execution and use of symbolism reflect both modernity and classical influences. The transparent shirt, scarred model, and narcissist flower evoke a narrative of lust, sensitivity, and self-critique. The artwork captures a tension between strength and vulnerability, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of self-perception and human relationships.
As the Louvre’s director admits that the Paris museum wants to move its most famous painting away from the crowded gallery in which it is currently displayed, we ask the Leonardo specialist Martin Kemp: does the museum have a Mona Lisa problem? We also talk about the painting’s continuing allure and the ongoing efforts to explain its mysteries. In London, remarkably, Judy Chicago has just opened her first major multidisciplinary survey in a British public gallery, at the Serpentine North. We talk to her about the show. And this episode’s Work of the Week is Christian Schad’s Self-Portrait with Model (1927). The painting features in Splendour and Misery: New Objectivity in Germany at the Leopold Museum in Vienna. Hans-Peter Wipplinger, the director of the museum and co-curator of the show, tells us more.
Judy Chicago: Revelations, Serpentine North, London, until 1 September.
Splendour and Misery: New Objectivity in Germany, Leopold Museum, Vienna, until 29 September.
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