The Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, Colorado, is hosting an innovative exhibition titled "Still in Sound", which invites visitors to explore the intersection of abstract visual art and sound art. This unique collaboration between the museum and contemporary artists challenges traditional exhibition formats, offering a dynamic and immersive experience. The exhibition showcases how sound can be used to interpret and enhance abstract paintings, creating a multi-sensory journey for viewers.
The exhibition features compositions by five talented artists: Maria Chávez, Maya Dunietz, Kalyn Heffernan, Matana Roberts, and Michael Schumacher. Each artist was given the task of selecting an abstract painting by Clyfford Still and creating an original sonic interpretation. Their compositions set the tone for each gallery, with the museum's curator, Bailey Placzek, curating additional artworks that resonate with the artists' interpretations. This non-linear approach ensures that each visitor's experience is unique, as the sound interpretations play in a shuffled order.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is the special interactive experience designed by Denver artist Phillip David Stearns, which responds to Still's pastel drawings. This interactive element adds a layer of engagement and interactivity to the exhibition, allowing visitors to explore the relationship between sound and visual art in a more hands-on way.
The exhibition also includes a chronological display of Still's works in the early galleries, featuring a sound tour with American experimental music, sound art, and examples from the archives. This complementary exhibition provides a deeper understanding of Still's artistic journey and the evolution of his work.
To mark the museum's anniversary, a new feature exhibition titled "Celebrating 15 Years: 15 New Paintings in 15 Months" will unveil one never-before-seen Still artwork in its first gallery each month through September 2027. This ongoing celebration highlights the museum's commitment to showcasing the diverse and extensive body of work created by Clyfford Still.
The Clyfford Still Museum, designed specifically to display Still's art, houses approximately 3,125 pieces, representing 93% of his lifetime output. This comprehensive collection provides a comprehensive overview of Still's artistic vision and his significant contribution to the world of abstract art.
"Still in Sound" is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the endless possibilities of artistic expression. It invites visitors to step into a world where sound becomes a medium for interpreting and experiencing abstract art, offering a fresh and captivating perspective on the work of Clyfford Still.
