ARTICLE
The Ringling Releases Program Highlights for December, 2019 Contact Name: Virginia Harshman Contact Email: virginia.harshman@ringling.org Contact Phone Number: 941-359-5700 ext 2803 December 2019 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AT THE JOHN & MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART Info: ringling.org or 941-359-5700 New and Continuing Exhibitions Sun Xun: Time Spy Aug. 11, 2019-Feb. 16, 2020 Time Spy (2016) is a mesmerizing 3D animated film by Chinese artist Sun Xun (b.1980). A superb painter and draughtsman, Sun Xun incorporates traditional techniques including ink painting, charcoal drawing, and woodblock printing into his films. His masterful use of analog and digital technologies to explore pressing concerns of our time makes him one of the most compelling artists working in new media. Tour du Monde Oct. 18, 2019- Jan. 13, 2020 Circuses, expositions, and other forms of popular entertainment enchanted Western audiences with exotic peoples from faraway places in the 19th century. These entertainments had a profound impact on the way Westerners perceived the peoples of other parts of the world. This exhibition features a selection of the posters produced to advertise these living attractions. The posters reveal the different lenses through which their subjects were viewed by the public in Europe and America. Some are suggestive of an ethnological approach, while others clearly emphasize spectacle. Remaking the World: Abstraction from the Permanent Collection Nov. 10, 2019 – Aug. 1, 2021 Drawing from the Museum’s permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, the exhibition Remaking the World: Abstraction from the Permanent Collection assembles more than 20 paintings and sculptures by European and American artists associated with Abstract Expressionism. The exhibition features an immensely significant bequest of paintings by Joan Mitchell and Robert Motherwell from the collection of Mandell L. and Madeleine H. Berman; the first additions to the collection by these prominent artists. It also offers the opportunity to extend on view a monumental painting by Yayoi Kusama, a promised gift from Keith D. and Linda L. Monda. This exhibition will include significant artworks by artists who made important contributions to the development of abstraction in New York in the 1940s and onwards, including artists instrumental in establishing a vital art scene in Sarasota. Ai Weiwei: Zodiac LEGO Nov. 17, 2019 – Feb. 2, 2020 Zodiac LEGO (2018) is a series of individual works that is constructed of Lego bricks to represent the following animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. The Ringling is the first museum in the United States to show this traveling exhibition. These colorful works are made entirely of small LEGO pieces and demonstrate the artist’s continued interest in the zodiac animal concept. Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Specters and Parables Dec. 8, 2019- Mar 1, 2020 Born and raised in Mexico City, where he spent most of his career, Manuel Álvarez Bravo (Mexican, 1902-2002) was one of the most important figures in 20th century Latin American photography. Although he took art classes at the Academy of San Carlos, his photography was mostly self-taught, but he was savvy to the emerging international artistic avant-garde. Considered to be one of the founders of modern photography, his work extends from the late 1920s to the 1900s. He was a key figure from the period following the Mexican Revolution—often called the Mexican Renaissance—in which arts and literature flourished. This “Renaissance” owed to the happy—though not always tranquil—marriage between a desire for modernization and the search for an authentic national identity with Mexican roots, in which archaeology, history and ethnology played an important role. Support for this exhibition has been provided, in part, by the Ringling Endowment at the Florida State University Foundation. Paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax Revenues. Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed Dec. 15, 2019 – Apr 26, 2020 Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed offers a unique selection of paintings by the artist, along with numerous objects from the Solomon Archive on view for the first time. Syd Solomon (American, 1917-2004) described himself as an “Abstract Impressionist” alluding to the fact that his work infused impressionism into the processes, scale and concepts of Abstract Expressionism. Solomon moved to Sarasota in 1946 with his wife Annie. His was the first work of contemporary art to be collected by The Ringling in 1962. His paintings were greatly influenced by climatic factors and reveal a fascination and concern for Florida’s aquatic environment. Solomon incorporated his experience as a camouflage designer during World War II into his painting. It is not well-known that he was also an accomplished graphic artist, who in his early years designed commercial signage for prominent hotels and businesses in Sarasota. Like his work in camouflage, Solomon’s calligraphic skill was essential to the development of his later gestural abstraction. Syd Solomon: Concealed and Revealed is presented in partnership with the Estate of Syd Solomon and is accompanied by a 96-page publication with essays by former curator at The Ringling Michael Auping, George S. Bolge, Dr. Gail Levin, and Mike Solomon. The exhibition will include artworks from private collections and The Ringling’s permanent collection. Special Events and Tours Ringling by the Bay Dec. 16, 2019, 6 p.m. Ringling by the Bay will return for 10 events November through May. We hope that you will join us on the Bolger Campiello for these fun-filled evenings with live music and dancing. Food and beverage are available for purchase on the bayfront. Limited seating is available. Holiday Splendor Dec. 5, 2019, 5-8 p.m. Celebrate the sights and sounds of the holiday season and help support the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, serving Sarasota and Manatee counties. Visit The Ringling during extended evening hours and enjoy holiday music and performances by local elementary, middle and high schools. School performances will occur on the Museum of Art Courtyard and Bolger Campiello. All Museum venues will be open for self-touring including the Ca' d’Zan, Museum of Art and the Circus Museum. Free Admission with one unwrapped toy per person. Guests are encouraged to purchase toys in the Museum Store. The Museum Store will be open until 8 p.m. and offering toy options for $20 and under. Members Annual Holiday Sale Dec. 6, 2019- Dec. 8, 2019 Members of The Ringling enjoy 20 percent off store purchases (clearance items not included). Find that perfect gift at the Museum Store during our Double Discount Shopping Days. Whether you are looking to trim your tree, or purchase gifts for friends and family, The Ringling Museum Store has everything you need- jewelry, clothing, art books, Ringling branded merchandise and children’s toys- to fill stockings and warm hearts this holiday season. Deck the Halls @ Ca' d'Zan Dec. 12, 19, 26 and Jan. 2 5:00- 8 p.m. All decked out for the Holidays, Ca’ d’Zan will be open during special extended hours for you to enjoy a self-guided walk-through of the first floor. Art of Performance Series Oct. 11, 2019- April 25, 2019, Tickets on Sale Now Through public performances and engagement programs with artists in the Historic Asolo Theater and beyond, the Art of Performance integrates and reflects The Ringling’s values of inclusion, inspiration and excellence. We embody these values through diverse and culturally significant programming, community dialogues and arts education opportunities with visiting artists and through the support of creative processes by Florida artists, and national and international performance makers in developmental residencies. On Screen Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker Dec. 20, 2019, 6:30 p.m. On Christmas Eve, the mysterious Drosselmeyer brings a Nutcracker doll as a gift for his goddaughter Marie. At midnight, the doll comes to life and finds himself in a battle led with the Mouse King, while Marie watches in fear. The Bolshoi’s magical Nutcracker production captivates audiences of all ages and brings them on whirlwind journey of enchantment with rising star Soloist Margarita Shrainer perfectly embodying Marie’s innocence and joy along with the supremely elegant Principal dancer Semyon Chudin as her Nutcracker Prince. A timeless holiday classic accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Art and a Movie Dec. 8, 2019, 2 p.m. La Tercera Raíz (The Third Root) | $5 / Free for Members (Feature music documentary, Duration: 63 minutes) Camilo Nu is a prodigious guitarist from Mexico who is propelled on a journey to search the roots of the traditional music of Veracruz know as Son Jarocho, a Mexican music that has been recognized as having Spanish and African influences. Camilo travels through Southern Spain and North Africa to collaborate musically with the local genres in order to discover what similarities still exist, and as his journey gets further from home, he is unexpectedly confronted with his own fragmented African heritage that he inherited through his absent father. Turrell Skyspace: Joseph’s Coat Thursdays & Fridays at sunset, Museum of Art Joseph’s Coat Skyspace is a triumph of technology, engineering and aesthetics. The Skyspace, created by internationally-renowned artist James Turrell, is a gathering place for contemplation, and sustained experience. At sunset, a sophisticated system of LED lights is employed to change the color of the space. In doing so, the artist changes the context in which you view the sky and can radically change your perception of the color of the sky and its spatial relation to you. As you gaze up at the sky through the 24-foot square aperture in the ceiling, you are invited to contemplate light, perception and experience. Yoga mats are encouraged. Dress for outdoor conditions. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset. The program will last one hour. Tickets are $10/Free for Members, available at ringling.org. Programs Ringling Reflections Dec. 15, 2019 – Jun 14, 2020 10:30 a.m. Ringling Reflections programs are designed specifically for people with memory loss and their care partners. They are relaxed, conversation-based gallery tours in the Museum of Art. The tour routes will be wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available for use free-of-charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Listening devices, including induction loops for t-coil hearing aids, will be provided. Portable stools will be available for all participants. Tours take place on select Sundays at 10:30–11:30 a.m. Please plan on arriving to the museum’s Visitors Pavilion at 10:00 to check in. The tours are free of charge but advance registration is required and space is limited. Gallery Walk and Talk: Dec. 4, 2019-May 27, 2020, 1:30 p.m. Museum of Art Join us to explore various aspects of the Museum and its collection. Tickets are free with Museum Admission and are available for pickup on the day of the program. Tickets are limited. Upcoming Gallery Walk and Talk Programs: Dec. 4 | 10:30 a.m. | Reinstallation Dec. 12 | 10:30 a.m. | Images of the Virgin Mary Dec. 19 | 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. | Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Specters and Parables Bayfront Gardens Tours Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2019 1 p.m. This walking tour will introduce you to interesting botanical specimens on the estate while providing a historic overview of the development of the estate. The Ringling Arboretum has been accredited at Level II through ArbNet and there are over 2350 trees within the arboretum representing native, exotic, historical and culturally significant trees. Garden Tours are offered on Mondays at 1:00-2:30 p.m. The tour is 90 minutes in length and covers approximately 1 mile. We encourage visitors to bring bottled water, and wear appropriate footwear, preferably closed-toe, sunblock and hats. Tours are subject to weather conditions Conversation with Gabino Rodriguez Dec. 4, 2019, 10:30 a.m. Actor Gabino Rodriquez is joined by representatives from UnidosNow and the Sarasota Sister City program (Merida) for a discussion on Mexican government and politics today. For six months, Gabino Rodriguez became Santiago Ramirez, a man working in a Tijuana factory for five dollars a day. Tijuana is an investigation into a world of exploitation. Viewpoint Lecture: Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Dec. 7, 2019, 10:30 a.m. In this Viewpoint Lecture, Christopher Lomelin will explore the complex and multifaceted history of the Virgin of Guadalupe throughout Mexico and the United States. Beginning with her apparition at Tepeyac Hill Dec. 9, 1531, the meanings behind the Virgin have been appropriated and reinterpreted as expressed in popular devotion, nationalistic discourses, political struggle, feminist theory, and as an inspiration for spiritual activism. As a symbol of mexicanidad throughout the Americas, Guadalupe provides devotees – especially women – with powerful, and often, subversive identities when dealing with the problems of everyday life on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Conversation: Gallery 21, Rediscovered Dec. 9, 2019, 10:30 a.m. This talk will present new research being conducted for the occasion of the reopening of Gallery 21 and will focus on the history and iconography of the architectural elements installed there. Special attention will be paid to the decorative arts as they developed throughout the American Gilded Age (ca. 1870-1900) and their role in the design of mansions for the ultra-rich. The New York residence of railroad magnate Collis P. Huntington (1821-1900) was one of the most magnificent of the era, a fact not lost on John Ringling, who purchased several architectural elements and artworks from the home when it was destroyed in 1926. The reinstallation of Gallery 21, and the opening of new archives, has provided the museum with the unique opportunity to study the Huntington mansion and the pieces that John Ringling salvaged from it. Conversation with the Executive Team Dec. 11, 2019, 10:30 a.m. Join Museum leaders for an informal discussion of their field, including an explanation of their day-to-day tasks, highlights of their favorite parts of the job, what challenges they face, and what they wish museum visitors knew about the work that they do. Conversation with Jovenes Zapateadores Dec. 12, 2019, 6:30 p.m. Join us for a conversation with members of Son Luna y Jovenes Zapateadores (Mexico) on the evolution of the rhythms and dance styles of Son Jarocho. Family Programs Family Saturdays Dec. 7 and 14, 2019, 10 a.m. Join us for a creative project relating to our collections: we will rotate themes weekly to cover the Circus, Ca d’Zan, Museum of Art, and Grounds and Gardens! Each week, we will have a making component in our Education Building classrooms as well as a special handout to help you locate and learn more about the objects and places that inspired each project. Free for children; Up to two Adults are included with each child ticket. Ticket includes Museum Admission (Art and Tibbals Education Center) for the day. ROAR! Dec. 5, 12 and 13, 2019, 10:30 a.m. Education Center ROAR is The Ringling’s family story time designed to engage toddlers and preschoolers in activities that connect art and early literacy. Join us for a story and accompanying art activity. Stroller Tours Dec. 17, 2019, 10 a.m., Museum of Art Join a museum educator to stroll the museum in a one-hour, interactive tour for infants and their caregivers Tuesday mornings. This tour is designed for the caregivers of children under 2 who can visit the museum using a stroller or front baby carrier. This is a free program but tickets are required, available in the Visitors Pavilion on the day of the program. Tickets include up to two caregivers and provides admission to the Museum of Art and Circus Museum for the day. # # # About The Ringling The Ringling is a center for art, history and learning situated on 66 acres on Sarasota Bay. It is built on the legacy of circus entrepreneur, collector of art and financier John Ringling and his wife Mable. The Ringling inspires visitors with an acclaimed collection of Old Master paintings, explores with them the diverse cultures and art of Asia, delights them with the story of the American circus, and transports them to the Roaring Twenties during a tour of the magnificent Ca’ d’Zan mansion. The Ringling is also committed to exhibiting the work of an emerging community of living artists that moves beyond traditional practice and features dynamic and engaging contemporary visual and performing arts, including a diverse roster of theater, music and dance. The Ringling is the State Art Museum of Florida. Affiliated with Florida State University, it is one of the largest university art centers in the nation. Media Contacts The Ringling: Virginia Harshman Public relations specialist 941-359-5700 x2803 Virginia.Harshman@ringling.org