February 24—May 21
In 1920, just as the pioneering American modernist Joseph Stella (1877–1946) had begun to enjoy success for his avant-garde paintings of the Brooklyn Bridge and other icons of urban modernity, he introduced a series of fantastical works featuring colorful flora and fauna to surprised audiences. Though his fame continued to be defined by his New York–related themes, it was with the strange and beautiful flower paintings that Stella found lifelong inspiration. As he explained, it was his wish “that my every working day might begin and end, as a good omen, with the light, gay painting of a flower.” This was not just a sentimental musing but a small reflection of how profoundly he believed in the need for nature as spiritual sustenance. Joseph Stella: Visionary Nature will include Stella’s precisely rendered botanical drawings, playful floral concoctions, moody symbolist pastels, and modern reinterpretations of early Renaissance painting—revealing not only the complexity and spirituality of his nature-based works but also the unusual breadth of his artistic vision.
Exhibition catalogue available for purchase at the Museum Shop and at museumshop.high.org.
RELATED PROGRAMS
OPENING WEEKEND PARTY: JOSEPH STELLA: VISIONARY NATURE
Friday, February 24, 5–9 p.m.
Be among the first to see this new exhibition! The High will remain open until 9 p.m. for members to celebrate with live music, Stella-inspired activities, and a cash bar. Capacity is limited, and preregistration is required. Visit high.org/stella-party to register today.
PATRON+ JOSEPH STELLA: VISIONARY NATURE TOUR
Saturday, March 11, 11 a.m.
At the Patron level and above, members receive exclusive invitations to docent-led tours of special exhibitions. Tours are offered monthly, and space is limited. Register today at high.org/member-exclusives.
