A blog by staff and others about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Chicken Mummification
July 21, 2011
We’ve all seen a mummy before, whether it was Tjeby at VMFA, or on a late-night horror flick when we were kids. I have always been fascinated by the mummies I’ve seen on display at countless museums across the country and also the mysterious stories in books and films. I never once believed that I…
Free art by a major artist!
June 24, 2011
Yes, it’s unabashed marketing but this month’s Art in America contains a work of art by Argentinian artist Rirkrit Tiravanija. Read about this in Real Clear Arts. Arts blogs are always fascinating to read. We always welcome suggestions of good ones to follow. –Suzanne Hall
It’s your VMFA
June 23, 2011
Did you know that the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is the only art museum in the U.S. open 365 days a year? Did you know that more than 700,000 people have come through the doors of VMFA in the last year? Did you know we have two upcoming special exhibitions, Fabergé Revealed in July…
An Evening with Artemisia Gentileschi: a woman like that
June 17, 2011
On Friday, June 17th, VMFA will present a Virginia premiere of an unconventional and compelling documentary film/video: a woman like that (2010, 93 min). Several mysteries should be solved. Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1653) was one of the first female artists to achieve recognition in her own time, the Baroque era. Her work is mentioned often in…
The mummy returns!
May 26, 2011
Practically from the moment I arrived in Richmond, people asked me “Whatever happened to the mummy?” They didn’t remember his name – Tjeby – or when he was from (First Intermediate Period) but they all vividly remembered how he was displayed: you walked up a long ramp lined with Egyptian art, turned 90 degrees and…
Chaplin’s Circus synonymous with cinema
May 25, 2011
If there is one iconic image that signifies “Cinema” it is Charlie Chaplin in his Little Tramp costume shuffling down the road into the sunset. It is a form that has taken on logo status as an all-telling symbol of motion pictures. This figure, spanning many generations, means MOVIES. As the first international super star…
The mummy returns
April 28, 2011
The art handlers and exhibit designer were slightly disturbed by my seemingly morbid interest as I pestered them week after week asking: “So, when’s the mummy going to be installed?!” I can’t help it… my interest in mummies stretches as far back as I can remember. Children seem to be so fascinated by mummies, but…
Picasso Served Up in Rich Cinematic Terms
April 27, 2011
What is it about Merchant Ivory films that make them so handsome and erudite and yet so entertaining and giving? It is the touch that the team of Producer Ismail Merchant, Director James Ivory, and Screenwriter Ruth Prawer Jhabvala has treated audiences to for decades. This critic grieves that there be no one in this…
Julian Schnabel & Pablo Picasso
April 26, 2011
Julian Schnabel, known for films like Basquiat and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, will be discussing his own art and Picasso’s, both currently on display at the museum. Describing himself as primarily a painter, Schnabel has followed Picasso’s example, establishing himself in the art world by intelligently reinterpreting the old masters and confidently asserting…
African-inspired fashion show at VMFA
April 22, 2011
Last night was a packed house full of style and excitement with beautiful models and artful fashions inspired by Africa. In honor of the newly installed African collection and the extraordinary exhibtion Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art of Ancient Nigeria.