What's stealing the show at Newfields this summer
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"Rocaille," a gown made by Emmy-winning costume designer Diego Montoya on display at Newfields. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios Indianapolis
all day on Free First ThursdaysThe majesty of Indigenous Australia, the splendor of the Rococo period and the resilience of the Black Arts Movement are just a few of the things you can experience now at Newfields.
The big picture: The art museum recently unveiled five exhibits that will be bringing the heat all summer.
Zoom in: Here's what you need to know about Newfields' latest attractions.
"Resplendent Dreams: Reawakening the Rococo"
- This opulent display showcases the work of contemporary queer artists Robert Horvath, Diego Montoya and Anthony Sonnenberg who draw inspo from the Rococo period's extravagance.
- There is a watercolor room by Horvath that is inspired by palace interiors, ornate ceramic sculptures by Sonnenberg, and gowns from Montoya.
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"Maximum Color, Minimal Form: The Panels of Ellsworth Kelly"
- Kelly, a pioneer of hard-edge abstraction, had a close relationship with Robert Indiana that played an instrumental role in the creation of Indiana's iconic LOVE sculptures.
- Indiana said Kelly's insistence on pure color and form was a defining inspiration for the stacked letters.
- This exhibit puts that approach on display with 11 bold, colored panels that play on movement and spatial awareness to evoke emotion.
"Composing Color: Paintings by Alma Thomas"
- This Smithsonian American Art Museum invites visitors to see the world through the eyes of Thomas, a teacher and artist famous for developing her signature style of abstract painting late in her life.
- There is also a playlist of Thomas' favorite tunes that pairs with the exhibit. She often listened to music as she worked.
"The Truth of Freedom: Resilience Redefined"
- A showcase of the power of creativity as a tool for healing and social change, inspired by the 60th anniversary of the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and '70s.
- The gallery brings the work of visual artists of different disciplines together to offer their take on a shared longing for connection, dignity and freedom.
The LUME Indianapolis featuring "Connection: Land, Water, Sky"
- Making its debut in May, the headlining presentation is an exhibition that features the work of 100 contemporary Indigenous Australian artists to take us on a tour of their world.
On Friday, The LUME added three featurettes created by IU Herron School of Art + Design students that will play alongside "Connection: Land, Water, Sky" this summer.
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If you go: Newfields gives members and non-members free access to the museum all day on Free First Thursdays.
- Programming from 10:30am-8pm includes live musical performances, open studio hours and gallery conversations.
- Advance tickets are recommended, but not required.
- Regular museum pricing for non-members is $20 for adults and $13 for kids 6-17. Kids 5 and under get in free.