Renowned artist Joan Jonas is set to have a major exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), showcasing her diverse and innovative body of work. The process of curating the show has been a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, as Jonas’s work defies easy categorization.
The exhibition will feature a wide range of pieces, including masks, clothing, drawings, headdresses, books, and props from Jonas’s extensive career. Curator Janevski and the museum’s team spent years carefully selecting and arranging these elements, delving into drawers full of sketches and exploring Jonas’s unique approach to drawing.
Drawing has always been a central practice for Jonas, serving as a meditative and experimental process. She often challenges herself by drawing without looking at the paper or using unconventional materials, creating works that are both simple and captivating. Her drawings will be a key component of the exhibition, offering insight into her creative process and artistic vision.
During a visit to the MoMA model room, Jonas and Janevski discussed the layout of the exhibition, with Jonas envisioning mirrors that would allow the audience to see themselves reflected in her work. The exhibition will also feature new pieces, including a whale symbolizing new life, a vampire squid, and multimedia projects that showcase Jonas’s ongoing exploration of art and performance.
As Jonas herself admits, her work is never truly finished, constantly evolving and transforming over time. The exhibition at MoMA promises to be a dynamic and immersive experience, offering viewers a glimpse into the mind of a groundbreaking artist who continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art.
