Now that things are settling back to normal in the city, it is time to venture out to see the new exhibition at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). Real/Surreal is the second of three exhibitions in the three-year partnership with the Whitney Museum of American Art.
“The masterpieces on loan from the Whitney Museum of American Art collection are considered some of the most important works in the world. For GRAM and the Grand Rapids community to have access to this collection is truly remarkable,” says GRAM’s Director and CEO Dana Friis-Hansen, who is just beginning his second year in the Grand Rapids market. “We are building upon and contributing to a reputation that Grand Rapids is emerging as an important cultural destination in the Midwest.”
The show organized by The Whitney Museum of American Art includes over 60 paintings, drawings, photographs, and prints, providing a platform to compare the competing art movements of Realism and Surrealism.
People who have invested in the GRAM as members are in for a real treat as their membership gets them a first peek at the preview reception on Thursday, Oct.18 from 7-9 p.m.
As an added bonus, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday night in the auditorium, Michael Duncan, independent curator and editor for Art in America, will present a lecture on how the Surrealism movement opened up an exciting and new expressive possibility for American figurative artists in the '30s, '40s and '50s resulting in some of the most memorable works of this young nation that rocked the entire world.
Later that night, a younger crowd is invited to a special mixer to be wowed by the music of DJ Spydre Murphy, where his spot on the balcony will fill the gallery space with a lively set. People will be encouraged to mingle and converse about this exciting show with many works that have never been seen in years, much less in places other than art books.
The public is welcome to attend the afterparty event starting at 9:30 p.m. after paying a $5 admission fee. The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, Oct. 19 and runs through Jan. 13.
Admission: Thursday's Opening Lecture: Members Only & Free / After Party: Free to Members, $5 Non-Members.
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