Best shows of 2009

1. Picasso at the Gagosian

 

I was absolutely blown away by this show.  I have long favored Matisse to Picasso but this show gave me something to think about.  The colors were rich and the brushwork lively.  It is hard to believe that critics of  the day panned the work as trivial.

2. Cy Twombly

 Artist's books/catalogues have come a long way over the 20 years.  That being said to truly appreciate someone like Twombly you have to view them in person.  The scale and color just does not translate as well on paper.  I had an opportunity to view his work in Houston and was blown away.  The work here was not quite as good but as whole was very good.

3. Francis Bacon

A solid show at the Met but overwhelming. 

4. William Christenberry

I attended the Christenberry exhibition in Nashville.  I had seen much of the work before but had never heard him lecture.  The lecture was good but meeting him was the highlight of the evening.