Selfie
In December 2013, the New Mexico Museum of Art (107 W Palace Ave., 476-5072) opened Renaissance to Goya, a collaboration with the British Museum that featured gorgeous Spanish prints. This Friday, the NMMA kicks off its second show with the British Museum titled Lines of Thought: Drawing from Michelangelo to Now (through Sept. 17). With drawings that span back to ancient Egypt and cover the likes of Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Cézanne, Mondrian and many more, the massive show not only represents a glorious cross-section of the fundamental beginning of most visual arts, it proves Santa Fe can hang with the best of 'em, no problem. We caught up with NMMA's Head of Communications and Special Initiatives Ryan Stark to get the lowdown.
How big is this show, exactly?
There are 70 drawings in the show, and there's going to be something that stretches all the way through ancient Egypt up through 21st-century works.
Why do you think some of these artists have been so enduring?
Someone with an art history background could probably speak better to the technique and development, but the way I look at it is: These are artists who, from the very time they began putting their work out there, have managed to strike a chord with people by communicating on a massive level in terms of age and in terms of longevity.
Is there anything in the show you're particularly blown away by?
I'm especially curious about the Da Vinci drawing, for the simple reason that I don't believe I've ever seen a Da Vinci work in person. Like a lot of people who might come to the show, I'm going to experience my first in-person viewings of these things. I think, given the depth and notoriety of quite a few of these artists, that it will appeal to year-round and first-time visitors.
