November 19, 2014
It’s difficult to know where to start when delineating the reasons to see Zhang Yimou’s Red Sorghum (1987; 91 min) at the Byrd Theatre on November 23 at 1:30 pm. The film has an almost mythic reputation. But I will try. The Byrd Theatre will be the only venue in the entire US that has…
July 24, 2014
When I first saw Question Bridge Black Males, I was shocked by the raw and unapologetic nature of the film. There are no special effects, no music, no over-the-top dramatic storytelling — it’s just real. The viewer is forced to confront the multifaceted realities of being a black male without any sugarcoating. Rarely are there…
July 23, 2014
When you think of Amuse, VMFA’s fine dining restaurant, you probably think upscale, deliciously prepared gourmet meals that you have to use a fork and knife (in fact, a couple forks and knives) to eat! While we’re sure you love the magic chef Greg Haley works with the food here, most of you would probably…
April 1, 2014
In winter, 1913, The International Exhibition of Modern Art, better known as The Armory Show, opened in New York City. It was fully loaded with over 1300 modern artworks by more than 300 artists from Europe and America. Mere style and technique would challenge the sensibilities of the norm and spur a sea change in…
February 18, 2014
In recognition of Black History Month, VMFA is offering a trio of amazing events highlighting African-American culture in music, film, and literature. February is also the birthday month of iconic singer Marian Anderson, the first black person to ever perform at the renowned Metropolitan in New York City in 1955. This Wednesday, February 19th, join…
August 28, 2013
“If I could go back in time and talk to my fifteen-year-old self, I would say ‘Smile a little, talk to people, and don’t be such a sheltered little nerd’.” Usually you don’t hear such honest self-reflection from anyone, let alone a world famous Hollywood producer, director, and writer! But Vince Gilligan is no ordinary…
July 25, 2013
The Poetry Society of Virginia recently took an Ekphrastic Day visit to VMFA to write some art-inspired poems. “Ekphrastic” is the poets’ term for poetry inspired by artwork. Below are a couple of poems inspired by our current special exhibition Pop Art and Beyond: Tom Wesselmann. The exhibition ends this Sunday, July 28th, so if…
July 16, 2013
Perhaps the greatest painter in European art, Rembrandt van Rijn also became the namesake of a particular style of cinematic lighting used often in Film Noirs and most any moody set piece. Therefore, it should be of no surprise that the brash Baroque artist made for a compelling subject in Alexander Korda’s 1936 British film…
February 15, 2012
VMFA’s collections and programs interpret cultures from throughout the world and across time. The schedule for these is never confined to particular months, but the occasion of Black History month provides the opportunity to recognize some current and upcoming experiences to honor African-Americans. Lunch & Learn series featuring African-American scholar Dr. Nichole Gilpin-Hood, 12 –…
December 6, 2011
This Saturday morning, 12/10/11, journalist and interior designer Cathy Whitlock will appear in-person at VMFA with a showing of the colossal 1963 motion picture, Cleopatra, starring Elizabeth Taylor. You are invited to see Ms. Taylor, a former Virginia resident and the last of the grand movie stars, in her most iconic role for a very…
