The Metropolitan Museum of Art has announced its 2024 art commissions, featuring three international artists who will showcase contemporary art’s capacity for “earned optimism”. Petrit Halilaj, a Kosovo-born artist, will take over the museum’s Roof Garden in April, exploring themes of conflict and displacement. Lee Bul, a South Korean sculptor, will transform the facade in September with futuristic statues, marking her first major project in the United States. Taiwanese artist Tong Yang-Tze will design two new works of calligraphy for the Great Hall in November, connecting classical Chinese texts with modern art. These commissions reflect the museum’s commitment to communication and critique, while also inspiring optimism in how we relate to one another through art.
Introduction
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has recently announced its art commissions for the year 2024, featuring three international artists known for their innovative and thought-provoking work. These commissions aim to showcase the capacity of contemporary art to communicate and inspire optimism. The selected artists include Petrit Halilaj, who will take over the Roof Garden in April, Lee Bul, who will transform the facade in September, and Tong Yang-Tze, who will design calligraphy for the Great Hall in November.
Petrit Halilaj to Take Over the Roof Garden in April
Petrit Halilaj, a Kosovar artist, has been chosen to showcase his work in the museum’s Roof Garden in April. Halilaj’s exhibition will delve into the theme of conflict and its impact on individuals and communities. His personal experience as a child refugee during the wars in Kosovo in the 1990s informs his work, which often explores the themes of displacement and history. Halilaj’s previous exhibitions have garnered critical acclaim for their ability to evoke collective memories and bridge the gap between personal experiences and broader social contexts.
Lee Bul to Transform the Facade in September
In September, the facade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art will undergo a transformation by acclaimed South Korean sculptor Lee Bul. Known for her futuristic installations and cyborgian sculptures, Lee Bul’s work addresses the dystopian nature of progress and challenges societal norms and restrictions. Her sculptures, which will be displayed on the Fifth Avenue facade, will mark her first major project in the United States since her 2002 solo exhibition at the New Museum. Lee Bul’s sculptures are expected to captivate audiences and provoke contemplation about the future and the role of technology in society.
Tong Yang-Tze to Design Calligraphy for the Great Hall in November
The Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art will be adorned with two new works of calligraphy by renowned Taiwanese artist Tong Yang-Tze in November. At the age of 81, Tong Yang-Tze is one of the oldest artists to be commissioned by the museum. This will also be her first public commission outside of Asia. Tong Yang-Tze’s calligraphy has become celebrated for its ability to connect the ancient practice with modern art. She magnifies character brushstrokes to epic proportions, creating a sense of scale and movement that forces viewers to contemplate the power and beauty of her work.
Art as Communication and Optimism
The selection of these three artists for the Met’s 2024 art commissions reflects the museum’s belief in art as a form of communication and optimism. David Breslin, the curator in charge of the modern and contemporary art department, emphasizes the importance of art embedding critique while also offering an optimistic perspective on human relationships. The chosen artists’ works explore a range of themes, from personal experiences to societal issues, inviting viewers to engage in a dialogue and contemplate their own understanding of the world.
David Breslin’s Role in the Commissions
David Breslin, the curator in charge of the modern and contemporary art department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, played a significant role in the selection of the 2024 art commissions. Despite being relatively new to the museum, Breslin’s influence is already apparent through these commissions. In addition to his involvement in the selection process, Breslin is currently working on the development of a new wing for the museum’s collection, which has an estimated cost of $500 million. His emphasis on connecting art historical threads across continents aligns with the overall vision of the Met’s exhibitions.
Halilaj’s Exhibition Development
The development of Petrit Halilaj’s exhibition for the Roof Garden started under the guidance of Sheena Wagstaff, the previous curator in charge of the modern and contemporary art department. Halilaj’s work is deeply rooted in his biography, drawing from his experiences as a child refugee during the wars in Kosovo. His previous exhibitions, which featured restaged drawings from his childhood, received acclaim for their ability to evoke emotions and memories. For the Roof Garden, Halilaj plans to further explore questions of displacement and history, creating a thought-provoking and immersive experience for visitors.
Halilaj’s Work Rooted in Biography
Petrit Halilaj’s work is known for its strong connection to his personal biography. Growing up as a child refugee during the wars in Kosovo in the 1990s, Halilaj’s art reflects his experiences and memories. His exhibitions often feature elements from his childhood, including restaged drawings and personal artifacts. By revisiting these memories and incorporating them into his work, Halilaj creates a powerful and evocative narrative that resonates with viewers. His unique perspective offers a glimpse into the personal and collective impact of conflict and displacement.
Halsey and Da Corte’s Previous Roof Garden Exhibitions
Prior to Petrit Halilaj’s upcoming exhibition, the Roof Garden of the Metropolitan Museum of Art has hosted installations by Lauren Halsey and Alex Da Corte. Halsey’s exhibition paid homage to her Los Angeles neighborhood, creating a monument to friends and family in the style of an ancient Egyptian temple. Da Corte’s installation featured a satirical portrayal of Big Bird from “Sesame Street” swinging on an Alexander Calder mobile. These exhibitions showcased the versatility and creativity of contemporary artists while engaging with themes of community, nostalgia, and popular culture.
Consensus on Lee Bul for the Fifth Avenue Facade
When selecting the next artist to transform the Fifth Avenue facade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, officials quickly reached a consensus on Lee Bul. Regarded as one of South Korea’s leading artists, Lee Bul rose to prominence in the 1980s with performances that challenged restrictions on women’s rights in her country. Her work has since evolved into glittering installations and cyborgian sculptures that explore the dystopian aspects of progress. Lee Bul’s sculptures on the facade will mark her first major project in the United States since her solo exhibition in 2002, offering audiences a glimpse into her innovative and thought-provoking artistic practice.
Lee Bul’s Contributions to the Art World
Lee Bul, the South Korean sculptor chosen for the Fifth Avenue facade transformation, has made significant contributions to the art world throughout her career. Her work, which spans a variety of mediums, addresses themes of technology, gender, and societal expectations. Lee Bul’s installations and sculptures combine futuristic elements with references to art history, resulting in visually striking and intellectually challenging pieces. Her exhibitions in museums across Europe and Asia have garnered international acclaim and have established her as one of the most respected contemporary artists working today.
Tong Yang-Tze’s Status as an Old Artist and First Public Commission Outside Asia
At 81 years old, Tong Yang-Tze holds a unique position as one of the oldest artists to be commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her selection for the museum’s 2024 art commissions highlights the significance of her practice and contribution to the art world. Additionally, this commission will be her first public exhibition outside of Asia. Tong Yang-Tze’s prolific career has seen her Chinese calligraphy celebrated and showcased in various forms, from perfume bottles to Taiwan’s official passport stamp. Her expertise in connecting the ancient practice of calligraphy with modern art presents a fresh and captivating perspective for viewers.
Tong Yang-Tze’s Connection of Calligraphy with Modern Art
Tong Yang-Tze’s approach to calligraphy challenges conventional perceptions of the art form. Rather than viewing calligraphy as a leisurely activity for scholars and elites, Tong enlarges characters and employs compositional strategies akin to abstract painting. Her bold and monumental brushstrokes create a visual impact that transcends traditional expectations of calligraphy. By fusing calligraphy with modern art techniques, Tong invites viewers to contemplate the emotive power of language and the expressive potential of brushwork. Her works provoke a sense of awe and admiration for the precision and artistry involved in this ancient practice.
Visitors’ Experience of Lee Bul’s Sculptures and Tong Yang-Tze’s Calligraphy
Visitors to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2024 will have the opportunity to engage with the sculptures of Lee Bul and the calligraphy of Tong Yang-Tze. Lee Bul’s futuristic sculptures, situated outside the museum on the Fifth Avenue facade, will serve as an intriguing introduction to her artistic practice and the themes she explores. The sculptures, with their innovative and thought-provoking design, will invite viewers to contemplate the future and its potential impact on society.
After passing Lee Bul’s sculptures, visitors will enter the Great Hall, where they will encounter Tong Yang-Tze’s calligraphy. The two large-scale calligraphy projects, wrapped around the walls of the Great Hall, magnify the character brushstrokes to epic proportions. This immersive experience will prompt viewers to reflect on the size and sweep of Tong’s movements, inviting a deeper appreciation for the artistry and significance of calligraphy as a form of self-expression.
Overall, the 2024 art commissions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art present a diverse range of artistic practices and themes for visitors to explore. Petrit Halilaj, Lee Bul, and Tong Yang-Tze each bring a unique perspective and method of artistic expression, contributing to the museum’s mission of fostering communication and optimism through art. These exhibitions promise to engage and inspire audiences, inviting them to delve into the complexities of the human experience and contemplate the power of artistic creation.
