August 30th, 2006, by Mary Winston Nicklin
What’s New at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Bilbao Guggenheim is nothing short of magnificent. Frank Gehry’s incredible construction– composed of glass walls, limestone, and titanium– glimmers like a giant fish in the sunlight next to the Nervion river. Since it’s opening in 1997, the former industrial city of Bilbao has become a showcase of art and culture. The Guggenheim is the most dynamic kind of architectural setting to contemplate and appreciate modern art. Current exhibitions include Russia!—the most comprehensive and significant collection of Russian art sent abroad since the end of the Cold War. From the 13th century religious icon painting to the present. Until September 3. Also on view: Max Beckmann, The Watercolors and Pastels, the first exhibition of its kind (a few watercolors have been displayed in surveys of his work, but never together.) Until September 17. Don’t miss the permanent collection, including Richard Serra’s groundbreaking The Matter of Time. Museum hours: Tuesday- Sunday, 10 am- 8 pm. EUR 12.50, adults.
We applaud the dynamic and bold leadership of the Guggenheim in their Russia exhibition. Russian art is a phenomenon sweeping the globe and collectors world-wide, yet institutional art circles in the United States have been lax in their embrace and far behind trends in this significant art genre. Cudos to Guggenheim for a great step forward and for aiding in closing the gap in America’s awareness and understanding. We represent the United State’s second largest direct importer of Russian paintings and can attest to the fact that the classic technique seen in 20th Century paintings from Russia and the Ukraine are unlike any in the world. Many of our clients regard them as comparable to post-impressionist French works- only less expensive.
Thank you Guggenheim for helping Americans begin to understand why the rest of the world has fallen in love with Russian art.
True, the exhibit at the Guggenheim Bilbao was extraordinary– spanning two floors. I really enjoyed it, especially the early religious icon painting and later political works (with Lenin, etc.) as interesting cultural commentataries on moments in Russian history.