Wondering Where The Wild Things Are? They’re At The Denver Art Museum
- The Denver Art Museum is hosting a comprehensive exhibition titled 'Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak' from October 2024 to February 2025, showcasing over 400 of Sendak's works and illustrating his creative process and collaborations.
- Visitors to the exhibition can view original paintings, sketches, and storyboards from Sendak's most famous works, as well as learn about his versatility as an artist beyond children's books, including his work in opera and ballet.
- The exhibition offers interactive experiences for both children and adults, including audio guides and a special play, while emphasizing conservation efforts to preserve Sendak's legacy and acknowledging the personal and cultural influences on his art.
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In the world of children’s literature, few names evoke as much imagination and wonder as Maurice Sendak. The iconic 1963 children's book Where the Wild Things Are, written and illustrated by Sendak, has captivated hearts and minds for generations. Now, Denver Art Museum (DAM) is home to a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition that delves into the creative mind of this beloved artist. From October 13, 2024, to February 17, 2025, Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak will spotlight Sendak's timeless artistry in the museum's Hamilton Building.
The Art of Sendak: A Journey Through Creativity
Maurice Sendak was a master of his craft, and his work continues to inspire artists and children alike. The Denver Art Museum has curated an extensive exhibition featuring more than 400 objects, drawings, paintings, and mockups. This retrospective is not just about Sendak's famous books; it's a deep dive into his creative process and collaborations with other renowned artists and directors.
Sendak: The Versatile Artist
Sendak was one of the most versatile artists of the 20th century. His career spanned over six decades, during which he authored and illustrated numerous award-winning titles. Where the Wild Things Are, In the Night Kitchen, Outside Over There, and Nutshell Library are just a few of his most celebrated works. Sendak's artistry extended beyond children's books; he designed sets and costumes for operas and ballets, including notable productions of The Nutcracker and The Magic Flute.
Exhibition Highlights
The Wild Things exhibition is a treasure trove of Sendak's original work, including:
- Original Paintings for Where the Wild Things Are: For the first time, visitors will see all the original paintings for Where the Wild Things Are. This collection is a highlight of the exhibition, offering a unique glimpse into Sendak's creative process.
- Collaborations: The exhibition showcases Sendak's collaborations with other distinguished artists and directors, such as Carroll Ballard, Frank Corsaro, Carole King, Spike Jonze, and Tony Kushner.
- Sketches and Storyboards: Over 150 sketches, storyboards, and paintings by Sendak will be on display, drawn from The Maurice Sendak Foundation's collection. Highlights include his work for The Bat-Poet by Randall Jarrell and A Hole is to Dig by Ruth Krauss.
Conservation Efforts: Preserving a Legacy
The conservation process for the artworks has been meticulous. Denver’s chief art conservator, Sarah Melching, spent the summer preparing the 170 drawings and paintings for the exhibit. Her efforts included stabilizing the pieces to preserve them for future generations. One notable example is an illustration from Higglety Pigglety Pop, which had discolored due to decades of exposure. Melching used UV light to break down the discoloration, restoring the drawing to its original state.
Interactive Experiences for All Ages
The exhibition offers a variety of interactive experiences designed to engage both children and adults. For younger visitors, a youth audio guide provides stories, insights, and funny tidbits about Sendak's books. This guide includes interviews with kids who love Sendak's books, offering a unique perspective on his artistic journey.
For older visitors, an adult audio guide features interviews with Sendak himself, providing intimate insights into his art and life. Clips from his interviews are complemented by stories from his closest friends and collaborators, including playwright Tony Kushner and author Dave Eggers.
Additionally, the museum has created a special 40-minute play called Art Emergency: Sendak Edition. This interactive performance allows audience members to play the role of museum VIPs tasked with helping a curator and an educator make important decisions related to the Wild Things exhibition.
Why This Exhibition Matters
Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak is not just a celebration of Sendak's art; it also highlights the depth and complexity of his creative mind. As Christoph Heinrich, the director of the Denver Art Museum, notes: “Sendak’s art tells stories of courage, adventure, resilience, curiosity, and a deep understanding of the human desire for connection and discovery”.
The exhibition also explores Sendak's personal perspective and artistic insight, influenced by his experiences as a first-generation American and his Polish Jewish heritage. This perspective makes his work immensely valuable, powerful, and timeless.
Conclusion
The Denver Art Museum has meticulously curated Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the creative universe of this iconic artist. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to Sendak's work, this exhibition promises to captivate and inspire. So, if you're wondering where the wild things are, they are at the Denver Art Museum, waiting to be discovered through the end of February 2025.
Additional Resources:
- Denver Art Museum: Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak
- Rocky Mountain PBS: Behind the scenes of Denver Art Museum's Maurice Sendak 'Wild Things' exhibit
- Sendak Foundation: Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak
