1937 – Art – Cubism and the Abstract in Museum Display

Revised Articles from The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore, Maryland · Sunday, 14 February 1937

Art – Cubism and the Abstract in Museum Display

Article from 14 Feb 1937 The Baltimore Sun (Baltimore, Maryland)

A Reflective Prelude to Innovation: MoMA’s Abstract Art Exhibition

In a compelling showcase that echoes the whispers of innovation and transformation, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York unveils a seminal exhibition that revisits the groundbreaking strides of cubism and abstract art. This pivotal moment in art history once mired in contention and misunderstanding, now stands as a testament to the dynamic evolution of 20th-century artistry. As the once-fiery debates around abstract art settle into the annals of history, we reflect on its journey from avant-garde rebellion to classical heritage. This transition underscores abstract art’s profound impact on the aesthetic landscape, affirming its role as a critical development in modern artistic expression.

The Anticipation of Discovery

As we stand on the cusp of experiencing the museum’s curated marvels—still cocooned within their crates—the anticipation builds for what promises to be a reflective journey through artistic innovation. The lineage of abstract art, with its roots entangled in the rich soil of artistic tradition and directly blossoming from the revolutionary works of post-impressionists like Cezanne and Seurat, aims not to disorient but to emphasize the essence of creative form. Distinct from the enigmatic allure of surrealism, which paradoxically flourishes even as it seems to recede into historical obsolescence, abstract art and cubism represents a deliberate exploration of form, devoid of the constraints of representation and subjective interpretation.

A Prelude to Understanding: The Enoch Pratt Library Exhibition

For those embarking on this exploratory venture unacquainted, a visit to the central hall of the Enoch Pratt Library offers an intro to Persian miniatures, illuminations, and calligraphy. This exhibition, a visual symphony of line and form, is an intuitive gateway to the abstract ethos, showcasing the transcendent beauty of arrangement and symbol.

The Maryland Institute’s Exposition: Bridging Art and Machine

Similarly, the Maryland Institute’s exposition of graphic arts, curated by Hans Shuler and Margaret Winters Chamberlain, extends the conversation to applied art, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between art and machine. This collection exemplifies how artistic sensibility infuses the utilitarian, bridging commercial and aesthetic objectives through design and creativity.

Reflections on Art’s Boundless Expressions

Through these varied lenses—the abstract and the applied, the historical and the modern—we are reminded of art’s enduring quest for expression beyond the literal, seeking beauty in the balance of elements rather than the mere replication of reality. This exhibition not only celebrates the legacy of abstract and cubist pioneers but also illuminates the ongoing dialogue between art and its application, challenging any notion of their mutual exclusivity.

Sources

MaxAI.me. (2024, March). Art – Cubism and the Abstract in Museum Display. Newspapers.com™. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-baltimore-sun-art-cubism-and-the-a/144399525/

This modernized article aims to convey the essence and spirit of the original 1937 piece from the Baltimore Sun by A.D. Emmart, with language and perspectives updated to align with contemporary sensibilities. While efforts have been made to maintain the integrity and intent of the original work, readers are encouraged to compare this version with the original for a fuller historical context. This revision seeks not only to make the article more accessible to today’s audiences but also to highlight the evolving dialogue between art’s past and its present, underscoring the importance of continued engagement with and reinterpretation of our cultural heritage.

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