Art and Museums
Iranian Artist Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian's Mirror Sculptures: Infinite Possibilities
The artist's ambitious mirror sculptures, known as 'geometric families,' which she produced in the last decade since reinstating her studio in Tehran, are on view. Indigenous art forms such as Turkoman jewelry and clothing, coffee house paintings (a popular form of Iranian narrative paintings), and the technique of reverse-glass painting influenced her work. more »
Hatched, Matched, Dispatched – and Patched! One of Three Exhibits to See at the American Museum
Mourning garments, heavily beaded with jet, contrast with delicate bridal gowns originating from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as christening robes crafted from cascades of handmade broderie anglaise lace. A tablecloth embroidered with the names of colleagues and friends of an American soldier who took part in the D-Day landings is incomplete. His British fiancée stopped embroidering the cloth when she heard he had been killed in action. The stitched decoration remains unfinished, the needle still in the cloth. more »
Two From PEM: Discovering the Furniture of Nathaniel Gould and Audacious, The Fine Art of Wood
"Until the discovery of Nathaniel Gould's 18th century account books at the Massachusetts Historical Society in 2009, many of his pieces were mis-attributed, or listed as 'unknown cabinetmaker, Salem.' Now, over 20 pieces have been firmly attributed to Gould’s shop. Audacious features the Montalto Bohlen Collection with alluring surfaces and textures made from familiar and exotic woods some displayed in vessels, bowls and vases while others are completely abstract, emphasizing form over function. more »
Gemeente Museum in The Hague: Romantic Fashions: Mr. Darcy Meets Eline Vere
Rustling silk, breathtaking embroidery, frills and flounces, vast crinolines... Sharply tailored suits for dandies and elegant ball gowns for ladies… This autumn's 19th-century fashion exhibition at the Gemeente Museum in The Hague features costumes from the time of Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Eline Vere and Downton Abbey. more »