Cheers! A MAD Collection of Goblets
November 8, 2007 - April 27, 2008
To celebrate the Museum of Arts & Design’s second half-century, and in anticipation of the festivities that will surround our opening at Two Columbus Circle (Fall 2008), MAD is assembling a unique “destination” collection of celebratory goblets in all mediums—glass, metal, clay, fiber, wood, mixed media. While the MAD Goblet Archive will be displayed prominently in our new building as part of our grand opening, visitors will have a “sneak preview” of the collection this fall at our present home on 53rd Street in a special exhibition: Cheers! A MAD Collection of Goblets.
Goblets are basically drinking glasses with a stem. Within this simple definition exist myriad variations of form, color, and decoration. The exhibition features an engaging and diverse selection of vessels made by over 100 artists from around the world. Exceptional works by such renowned artists as Lino Tagliapietra, Dale Chihuly, and Ginny Ruffner are included, as well as cutting-edge works by emerging artists. Many pieces were created expressly for the exhibition, and are on public display for the first time. Cheers! A MAD Collection of Goblets is based on the generous promised gifts of artist-made goblets of Aviva and Jack Robinson, along with gifts from collectors and artists from around the world.
Glass artist Lucio Bubacco builds on the Venetian tradition of elaborately ornamental goblets that dates back to the Renaissance. His studies in anatomy and the imagery of Classical Greek and Roman mythology are evident in the exquisitely sculpted forms that appear within the decorative framework that surrounds his goblets.
The exhibition will also include examples of classic design, such as the Tulip Goblet designed by Swedish artist Nils Landberg for Orrefors in 1953. Landberg’s elegant, fluid shapes would become a hallmark of mid-century design, and an inspiration for countless artists in all media.
Jay Musler’s innovative goblets cannot be used, and instead use the vessel as a jumping off point for investigations of form and color. Musler uses thin glass rods to cross the elements of his work like a cartoonist’s hatch marks.
Jeweler ROY was inspired to create her goblet by her two daughters. She used their colorful rubber balls to ornament the sleek silver vessel, creating interplay between material and textures, children's toys and adults' pastimes.
For a list of artists in the exhibition,
click here.
For Public Programs, please
click here or call 212-956-3535 x127 for more information.