Renowned artist Joan Jonas’s upcoming exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is not just a collection of works, but a testament to the complexity and depth of her artistic vision. The process of curating the show was a meticulous and years-long endeavor, involving the careful selection of pieces that spanned Jonas’s enduring and varied career.
The exhibition will feature a wide range of elements, from masks and clothing to drawings and props, showcasing the multidisciplinary nature of Jonas’s work. Drawing has always been a central practice for Jonas, serving as both a meditative exercise and an integral part of her performance art. Her drawings, often created with unconventional techniques like sketching without looking at the paper, capture the energy and spontaneity of her artistic process.
As Jonas and the show’s curator, Janevski, worked together to finalize the exhibition, they faced the challenge of making difficult choices from the vast amount of historical material in Jonas’s collection. The process revealed hidden treasures, like notebooks and sketches from past decades, adding layers of complexity to the exhibition.
Despite the meticulous planning, Jonas’s work remains fluid and ever-evolving. The exhibition, which will include new pieces like a whale giving way to new life and a vampire squid, is expected to transform over time, reflecting Jonas’s ongoing creative journey.
In a conversation at MoMA’s model room, Jonas expressed her excitement for the upcoming show, emphasizing that her work is never truly finished. The exhibition promises to be a dynamic and immersive experience, inviting viewers to explore the intricate layers of Jonas’s artistic universe.
As Jonas’s drawings and installations come to life at MoMA, audiences can expect to be captivated by the artist’s unique blend of visual storytelling and performance art. The exhibition is not just a showcase of Jonas’s work, but a testament to the enduring power of art to defy categorization and inspire wonder.
