In 2024, the art world saw significant developments with major exhibitions prominently featured across notable institutions. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) showcased 'Joan Jonas: Good Night Good Morning,' which highlighted the influential career of artist Joan Jonas. This comprehensive survey included her work in video, photography, and performance art. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art, visitors admired 'Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350,' which focused on the stunning early Italian Renaissance pieces. Additionally, the 'PST ART' initiative offered a fresh perspective on the relationship between art and science. Highlights included 'Lumen: The Art and Science of Light' from the Getty and a survey of Beatriz da Costa's work at LACE. Despite these highlights, some disappointment lingered regarding various biennials and art sales, with many missing the expected breakthroughs. Nonetheless, 2024 emphasized the importance of restoring historical narratives, particularly through discussions of Black Modernism, as seen in 'The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism.' This exhibition fostered a richer dialogue within contemporary art.

Art in 2024: Highlights from MoMA to the Met and the Rise of Black Modernism

Key Takeaways

  • Joan Jonas's MoMA exhibition celebrated her diverse contributions to contemporary art.
  • The Met's showcase of early Italian Renaissance paintings highlighted the artistic richness of Siena.
  • 2024 saw a renewed focus on Black Modernism, enriching the narrative in contemporary art discourse.

Major Exhibitions of 2024

In 2024, the art world celebrated significant achievements through major exhibitions. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) featured 'Joan Jonas: Good Night Good Morning,' a comprehensive showcase of Joan Jonas’s influential career. This exhibition highlighted her contributions across video, photography, and performance art, emphasizing her impact on contemporary culture. The Metropolitan Museum of Art also drew attention with 'Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300-1350,' which displayed exquisite early Italian Renaissance works known for their golden themes. The year included the 'PST ART' initiative, promoting the connection between art and science at multiple venues. Notable exhibitions included 'Lumen: The Art and Science of Light' at the Getty and a survey of conceptual artist Beatriz da Costa by LACE (Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions). While the art market faced challenges with disappointing sales and outcomes in biennials, these exhibitions aimed to foster cultural enrichment. A key highlight was 'The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism,' which renewed discussions on Black Modernism. This exhibition underlined the importance of restoring historical narratives and diversifying the contemporary art discourse.

The Emergence of Black Modernism

The emergence of Black Modernism in 2024 marked a pivotal moment in the art world. The exhibition 'The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism' played a crucial role in spotlighting Black artists and their contributions to modernism. This exhibition aimed to correct historical omissions and celebrate the cultural impact of Black art. Curators selected works that demonstrated the rich connections between African American artists and their global counterparts. By highlighting these narratives, the exhibition encouraged broader appreciation for diverse perspectives in contemporary art. The focus on Black Modernism not only enriched the dialogue within the art community but also inspired future generations of artists to engage with their heritage.