Established in 1896, the Carnegie International is the longest-running North American exhibition of international art. Organized every three to four years by Carnegie Museum of Art, the International presents an overview of how art and artists respond to the critical questions of our time. The 58th Carnegie International, which is titled Is it morning for you yet?, runs from September 24, 2022 to April 2, 2023, and unfolds along two conceptual overlapping currents: historical works from the collections of international institutions, estates, and artists, alongside new commissions and recent works by contemporary artists.
Organized by Sohrab Mohebbi, the Kathe and Jim Patrinos Curator of the 58th Carnegie International and associate curator Ryan Inouye with curatorial assistant Talia Heiman, the exhibition traces the geopolitical imprint of the United States since 1945 to situate the “international” within a local context. The exhibition borrows its title from a Mayan Kaqchikel expression, where instead of saying “Good morning” it is customary to ask, “Is it morning for you yet?” Inspired by a conversation with artist Édgar Calel, who will present a new commission for the show, Is it morning for you yet? acknowledges that human beings’ internal clocks and experiences are different: when it’s morning for some, it might still be night for others.
I was invited to the preview party last Friday, and my friends and I had a blast at the event. Wearing our best cocktail attire, we attended the party and were amazed by the transformation in the lobby. We were welcomed with party lights, DJs, open bar, coffee bar and several large (and very delicious) cookie tables. We also saw a singer mingle through the crowd with a microphone singing a few of her songs.
We also perused a couple of additional exhibit pieces on this floor. After nibbling on some pastries and sipping some wine, we headed upstairs to see the rest of the exhibit.
I was impressed by the various forms of art – from huge inflatable balloons to small statues, digital pieces, paintings and more. I plan on coming back when its less crowded to get a closer look at the art in the many rooms. Overall, the different work on display was fantastic and full of history and culture.
The exhibit continues through April 2 at the Carnegie Museum of Art (4400 Forbes Ave in the Oakland neighborhood).
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Disclaimer: My visit to the museum was complimentary, and all opinions are my own. Support the arts!