On July 1, Art Institute of Chicago Sustaining Fellows were invited to walk through “Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary, 1926-1938.”
Douglas Druick, President and Eloise W. Martin Director of the Art Institute of Chicago, calls this “the latest in a long line of groundbreaking exhibitions” at the museum. According to the Art Institute’s website, this is the first major museum show dedicated to Surrealist René Magritte’s work during his most experimental years. The exhibit includes more than 100 of Magritte’s paintings, drawings, photographs, advertisements and other works.
Douglas Druick addresses Sustaining Fellows on July 1.
Early in his career, Magritte painted in a Cubo-Futurist style, much like Pablo Picasso. He later abandoned that form to become one of the most well known surrealists of all time. Some of his most famous pieces include “The Treachery of Images,” a drawing of a pipe with “This is not a pipe” written underneath in French; “The Human Condition;” and “The False Mirror,” which some believe influenced the creation of the CBS logo. All three paintings are included in the exhibit. As for Magritte himself, many might recognize him as the man in the bowler hat.
Stephanie D’Alessandro, Gary C. and Frances Comer Curator of Modern Art, calls Magritte “one of the 20th century’s most important artists.” As you walk through the exhibit, however, don’t be concerned if you can’t seem to find meaning in each painting. Magritte’s titles were often meant to lead viewers away from possible interpretation, and he was famous for putting together seemingly unconnected images and words.
Stephanie D’Alessandro discusses Magritte’s “The Secret Player.”
Most notably, the Art Institute’s exhibit has brought together three paintings that have not been in the same room together since World War II: “The Red Model,” “On the Threshold of Liberty” and “Youth Illustrated.” According to D’Alessandro, the museum has put the paintings together as it is believed they were originally displayed. The show also includes “Time Transfixed,” one of the museum’s own—and most beloved—pieces.
“Magritte: The Mystery of the Ordinary, 1926-1938” will be on display in Regenstein Hall through October 13.
Interested in becoming a Sustaining Fellow? Find more information here.
Photos by Freddie Bledsoe.
