James Ensor at MoMA

James Kalm anxiously pursues this enlightening exhibition by one of the most unique masters in the Modernist canon. Although he stayed near home, and rarely sought out the avant-garde, James Ensor became the Godfather of Northern Expressionism. His unique subject matter, brilliant draftsmanship, and sensitive yet urgent use of materials and color distinguish him as an inspiration of much 20th century art. Organized by Anna Swinbourne, Assistant Curator, Department of Painting and Sculpture.

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• Ensor
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• Museum
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• painting
• drawing
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• Expressionism
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[spawndawnacl]

OK, I'm open for a schooling here -- why does anyone consider this work interesting, skilled, or innovative? It looks like colorized political cartoons of the day. High minded scatological humor is invisible to me. As always, many thanks.

[jameskalm]

Hey spawn,

much of the stuff we see today and accept (ie grotesque, scatological, nightmarish and cartoonish) wasn't being done before Ensor. His "Christ Entering Brussels" (not in show) ranks up there with the best of Bosch. There's an urgency to his technique that inspired the Expressionists. Just compare Ensor to the academic production or the Impressionism of his day and you'll see the profound difference

JK.

[MrWowforever]

don't forget the late paintings of Goya and all the grotesqueries of Medieval and Gothic paintings made during the plagues, my personal favorites. The world wars stirred up a lot of horrors......Kirchner and the Germans painted lovely horrors.

[jameskalm]

There's a great review of this show by Valery Oisteanu, (the cat I talk to) in the current Brooklyn Rail (July/August 2009) available online A nice read if you'd like a bit more insight.

[ThroughArts]

Totally awesome!

Very well done!

[claureic]

He was an Expressionist before the Expressionists, a Surrealist before the Surrealists, and even an abstractionist before abstraction. His influence is still obvious today (Twombly,Golub,Clemente,to name just 2). Great. Thanks James. You New Yorkers are lucky...

[selloutasaurus]

thanks for a great look at the work of Ensor.  Can't wait to return to NY & see it in person!

[tmad890]

nice work on this video..thanks for sharing

[LawrenceCharlesMille]

Thank you James Kalm.

Ensor at MOMA, Bacon at the Met, and Picasso at Gagosian.

Wonderful summer in NYC. Best -

[rocketjim54]

a great show wonderfully presented by you james. thank you.

[blewEAGLE]

One of your better video, thanks...

enjoyed seeing the work, I do not understand the body fulids. He must have went through some dramatic changes in his life.