In the article titled “Inside Shary Boyle’s Head-Spinning Palace of Wonders,” the author explores artist Shary Boyle’s exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) that examines the creation and presentation of identities. Stepping into Boyle’s palace-like exhibition, visitors are greeted with a mesmerizing array of sculptures, figurines, and textile installations. Through her sculptures, Boyle explores the complex nature of self-expression and examines the ways in which societal archetypes and social media influence our identities. The exhibition offers a thought-provoking and visually captivating experience that raises questions about the performance of identity in our modern world.
Overview
Subheading 1: Introduction to Shary Boyle’s exhibition ‘Outside the Palace of Me’
Shary Boyle’s exhibition ‘Outside the Palace of Me’ at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) is a thought-provoking exploration of the creation of identities and how individuals present themselves to others. The exhibition invites visitors to step into Boyle’s palace, a contemporary art fun house that challenges traditional notions of identity and performance. Through a variety of mediums, including ceramics, performances, animations, film, painting, and textiles, Boyle creates a captivating experience that encourages self-reflection and contemplation.
Subheading 2: The theme of creating identities and presenting them to others
At the heart of Boyle’s exhibition is a focus on how individuals construct and present their identities to the world. Through her artwork, Boyle prompts viewers to consider the roles they play and the archetypes they embody. The exhibition raises questions about the authenticity of these identities and the societal pressures that influence individuals to perform in certain ways. By challenging established notions of identity, Boyle invites viewers to question their own performances and the impact they have on their sense of self.
Subheading 3: An exploration of how performances feed back into our sense of self
Boyle’s exhibition also delves into the reciprocal relationship between performances and our sense of self. The artworks on display highlight the ways in which our performances and interactions with others shape our identities. Through collaboration with various artists and professionals, Boyle emphasizes the importance of communal experiences and the ways in which our performances are influenced by the interactions we have with others. By exploring this dynamic relationship, the exhibition encourages viewers to reflect on how their performances in everyday life contribute to their own understanding of who they are.
The Exhibition
Subheading 1: Stepping into Boyle’s palace
Entering Boyle’s exhibition is like stepping into a palace of wonders. Visitors are greeted by a myriad of captivating artworks and installations that immediately capture the imagination. The exhibition space is transformed into a vibrant and immersive environment, inviting viewers to explore and engage with the artworks on a personal level. By creating this unique atmosphere, Boyle sets the stage for a thought-provoking and introspective journey through her artistic vision.
Subheading 2: Description of the exhibition’s centerpiece
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a centerpiece that showcases Boyle’s artistic prowess. The centerpiece is a towering sculpture of a woman with an animatronic spinning head, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. This artwork embodies the theme of the exhibition, as it invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of our own identities and the multifaceted nature of the self. Through its enchanting presence, the centerpiece serves as a captivating focal point for the exhibition, drawing viewers into Boyle’s artistic world.
Subheading 3: Origins and influences of the exhibition
‘Outside the Palace of Me’ originally debuted at the Gardiner Museum in Toronto, where Boyle was raised and still resides. Boyle’s background and interests heavily influence the exhibition, as she combines elements of punk music, art school education, ceramics, live performances, and collaborations to create a truly unique experience. The exhibition is a culmination of Boyle’s artistic journey, showcasing her evolution as an artist and the diverse influences that have shaped her practice. By drawing from a wide range of inspirations, Boyle brings a fresh and innovative perspective to the art world.
Boyle’s Artistic Journey
Subheading 1: Boyle’s background and interests
Shary Boyle’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her upbringing and personal interests. Growing up in Toronto, Boyle immersed herself in punk music and attended art school, developing a passion for both live performances and visual arts. These early experiences laid the foundation for Boyle’s exploration of identity and performance in her artwork. By combining her love for music and visual arts, Boyle creates a unique aesthetic that challenges traditional artistic boundaries.
Subheading 2: Evolution of Boyle’s artistic practice
Over the years, Boyle’s artistic practice has evolved and expanded to encompass a wide range of mediums and techniques. She has continued to explore ceramics, performances, animations, film, painting, and textiles, pushing the boundaries of her artistic expression. Boyle’s diverse body of work reflects her desire to constantly evolve and experiment with different artistic forms. This evolution is evident in ‘Outside the Palace of Me’, where viewers can witness the culmination of Boyle’s artistic journey and the impact it has had on her practice.
Subheading 3: Collaboration as a central part of Boyle’s work
Collaboration plays a significant role in Boyle’s artistic practice. She actively seeks out collaborations with other artists, professionals, and experts in various fields to bring her artistic vision to life. In ‘Outside the Palace of Me’, Boyle collaborated with the head of wardrobe at the National Ballet of Canada and a longtime attraction designer at Niagara Falls, among others. These collaborations enrich the exhibition by infusing different perspectives and expertise into Boyle’s artwork. By embracing collaboration, Boyle demonstrates the power of collective creativity and the ability to create impactful art through shared experiences.
Dramatic Effects in Boyle’s Artwork
Subheading 1: Description of the artworks in the exhibition
Boyle employs various dramatic effects in her artwork to engage and captivate viewers. From moving parts to static pieces, the exhibition features a diverse range of artworks that utilize visual stimuli to create a multi-sensory experience. One artwork that exemplifies this is “Peacock Spider”, a ceramic sculpture of an arachnid perched on an outstretched hand. The sculpture utilizes intricate details and contrasting elements to evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue. Through these dramatic effects, Boyle invites viewers to explore the intersection between art and performance and consider the ways in which we create and act out our identities.
Subheading 2: Emphasizing how we create and act out ourselves
The artworks in Boyle’s exhibition emphasize the performative nature of our identities. Through her artwork, Boyle challenges viewers to question the authenticity of their own performances and the roles they play in daily life. One striking example is “Judy”, a wax figure of a woman dressed in stagehand attire with four arms holding four puppets. These puppets represent different aspects of the woman’s personality, raising questions about the degree of control she has over her performances. Boyle’s artwork prompts viewers to reflect on the ways in which they create and orchestrate their own roles and the impact this has on their sense of self.
Subheading 3: Analysis of a specific artwork (‘Judy’)
One specific artwork that warrants further analysis is “Judy”. This wax figure of a woman with four arms and four puppets offers a fascinating exploration of identity and performance. The four puppets represent different archetypes or personas that the woman embodies, highlighting the multiplicity of her identity. This artwork raises questions about the extent to which the woman has agency over these performances and the ways in which societal expectations shape her self-presentation. Through “Judy”, Boyle invites viewers to critically examine their own performances and consider the complex relationship between identity, authenticity, and societal pressures.
Symbolism and Social Commentary
Subheading 1: The symbolism behind the painted ring of concentric circles
One prominent symbol in Boyle’s exhibition is a painted ring of concentric circles. This symbol, reminiscent of the “Looney Tunes” logo, carries significant meaning within the context of the exhibition. The concentric circles represent the interconnectedness of our performances and identities, demonstrating how our actions and interactions with others shape our sense of self. This symbolism underscores the message of the exhibition by highlighting the importance of self-reflection and introspection in understanding our own performances and their impact on our identities.
Subheading 2: Analysis of the sculpture ‘White Elephant’ as commentary on race
Another artwork that offers social commentary is the sculpture “White Elephant”. This oversize rendering of a white woman dressed in white serves as a commentary on race and privilege. The sculpture challenges the notion of whiteness as a neutral and unmarked identity, instead highlighting how it can distort and confuse its privileged subjects. Through “White Elephant”, Boyle prompts viewers to critically examine the ways in which privilege and identity intersect and the impact this has on societal power dynamics. This artwork serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of critical reflection and understanding in addressing issues of race and privilege.
Subheading 3: Uncertainty around engagement versus distraction in the exhibition
One lingering question raised by Boyle’s exhibition is the balance between engagement and distraction. While the optical effects and dramatic elements of the exhibition are undoubtedly captivating, there is a potential for viewers to become consumed by the spectacle and miss the underlying social commentary. Boyle challenges viewers to consider the ways in which social media and other forms of performance can offer both genuine reflection and distraction. This uncertainty reflects the complexities of contemporary life and the challenges of navigating performative spaces. Boyle’s exhibition invites viewers to critically reflect on their own engagement and focus amidst a world saturated with performances.
Tandem Presentation: ‘Foreshadows’
Subheading 1: Description of the presentation on the fourth floor
In addition to ‘Outside the Palace of Me’, the fourth floor of the museum presents a tandem presentation called ‘Foreshadows’. This presentation showcases previous work by Boyle and offers a contrast to the atmosphere of the main exhibition. The space takes on a more theatrical ambiance, allowing viewers to engage with Boyle’s earlier artworks in a different context. The tandem presentation serves as a complement to ‘Outside the Palace of Me’, providing a deeper understanding of Boyle’s artistic journey and the evolution of her practice.
Subheading 2: Contrasting mood and atmosphere compared to the ‘Palace’ exhibition
The mood and atmosphere of the tandem presentation on the fourth floor contrast with the ‘Palace’ exhibition on the fifth floor. While the ‘Palace’ exhibition immerses viewers in an interactive and visually stimulating experience, the tandem presentation offers a more introspective and contemplative atmosphere. This contrast allows viewers to engage with Boyle’s artwork from different perspectives, offering a more comprehensive understanding of her artistic vision. The tandem presentation serves as a counterpoint to the ‘Palace’ exhibition, enriching the overall experience for viewers.
Subheading 3: Highlighting the video artwork ‘The Trampled Devil’
One standout artwork in the tandem presentation is the video artwork ‘The Trampled Devil’. Created by Boyle for the Kaunas Biennial in Lithuania, this video features Boyle assuming various characters as they battle for the soul of the earth. The almost 15-minute video, set to haunting music, evokes a sense of awe and contemplation. ‘The Trampled Devil’ offers a different perspective on Boyle’s artwork and invites viewers to reflect on the vastness and smallness of their own humanity. This video serves as a captivating highlight of the tandem presentation, further expanding on the themes explored in ‘Outside the Palace of Me’.
Reflection on the Exhibition
Subheading 1: Contrast between the upstairs ‘Palace’ and the downstairs presentation
One striking contrast in Boyle’s exhibition is the difference between the ‘Palace’ exhibition on the fifth floor and the tandem presentation on the fourth floor. The ‘Palace’ exhibition immerses viewers in a visually stimulating and interactive experience, captivating them with dramatic effects and captivating artworks. In contrast, the tandem presentation offers a quieter and more introspective atmosphere, allowing viewers to engage with Boyle’s earlier artworks on a deeper level. This contrast creates a compelling dynamic within the exhibition, offering viewers a multi-faceted experience that encourages reflection and contemplation.
Subheading 2: The lesson of social media and the nature of performance
A key lesson that can be drawn from Boyle’s exhibition is the impact of social media on our understanding of performance and identity. The exhibition invites viewers to critically examine their own performances and consider the ways in which social media influences the presentation of one’s identity. Boyle’s artwork questions the authenticity of performances in the digital age and prompts viewers to reflect on the balance between genuine reflection and performative engagement. By exploring the nature of performance in the modern world, Boyle encourages viewers to navigate the complexities of social media and strive for authenticity in their self-presentation.
Subheading 3: Closing thoughts on the exhibition
‘Outside the Palace of Me’ is a captivating and thought-provoking exhibition that challenges traditional notions of identity and performance. Boyle’s unique artistic vision, combined with her use of dramatic effects and symbolism, creates an immersive and introspective experience for viewers. Through her artwork, Boyle prompts viewers to critically examine their own performances and consider the impact of societal expectations on their sense of self. The exhibition offers a rich and multi-dimensional exploration of identity and performance, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of contemporary life and the nature of self-presentation.
Exhibition Details
Subheading 1: Exhibition duration and location
‘Outside the Palace of Me’ is on display at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) located at 2 Columbus Circle, Manhattan. The exhibition will run until February 25, 2024, providing ample time for visitors to experience Boyle’s captivating artworks and reflect on the themes explored in the exhibition.
Subheading 2: Contact information for the Museum of Arts and Design
For more information about ‘Outside the Palace of Me’ or any other exhibitions at the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), visitors can contact the museum directly at (212) 299-7777. Additional information about the museum and its exhibitions can also be found on the official MAD website, madmuseum.org.
Subheading 3: Information on the curator, Jillian Steinhauer
Jillian Steinhauer, a critic and reporter who covers the politics of art and comics, curated ‘Outside the Palace of Me’. Steinhauer’s expertise and insight into the intersection of art and identity contribute to the exhibition’s comprehensive exploration of these themes. Her curation provides viewers with a curated experience that highlights the significance of Boyle’s artwork and prompts critical reflection on identity and performance.
