Columbia Museum of Art Debuts Captivating Exhibition of French Modern Art

Columbia Welcomes a Stunning Exhibit of French Modern Art

Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as the Columbia Museum of Art showcases its latest exhibition, “French Moderns.” This remarkable display, featuring close to 60 artworks, invites art enthusiasts and the curious alike to explore the vibrant transformations in art that unfolded in Paris from 1850 to 1950. The exhibition runs until January 5, 2025, providing ample time for everyone to experience this visual feast!

A Snapshot of Art Movements

What makes “French Moderns” particularly captivating is that it doesn’t just follow a traditional approach by art movements. Instead, it is organized around subject matter, allowing visitors to see how different genres evolved over the decades. The exhibition covers everything from landscapes to portraits and explores how artists tackled similar themes through the years.

As we wade into the exhibition, the first gallery welcomes you with a stunning piece by Realist painter Gustave Courbet. His 1869 masterpiece, The Wave, captures a moody seascape and a tumultuous surf. Courbet described the crashing waves as a “caged monster who would devour me,” a sentiment beautifully conveyed in his oil on canvas.

From Courbet to Monet

Walking over to the next gallery, you encounter the enchanting brush strokes of Impressionist icon Claude Monet. His splendid work, Houses of Parliament, Sunlight Effect, showcases the iconic British landmark enveloped in mist, almost dreamlike as it hovers above the Thames. Here, Monet invites viewers to bring the painting to life, collecting images with their own eyes from broken strokes of shimmering gold that dance across the canvas.

But the surprises don’t stop there! Just a few steps away, you’ll find another defining piece by the Symbolist artist Odilon Redon. His towering work, Jacob Wrestling with the Angels, almost 4.5 feet high, features the subtle struggle of two figures amidst the trunks of grand trees. The true focal point, however, is the dawn light, symbolizing the triumph of the human spirit. It’s a piece that encourages viewers to reflect on deeper meanings.

Exploring the Diversity of the Nude

The exhibition continues to inspire and surprise as you explore galleries showcasing the evolution of the nude in art. Here, you can feel the journey from Auguste Rodin’s lifelike sculptures to the fragmented forms of Cubist artists like Jacques Villon and Fernand Leger. It’s a testament to the vibrancy and dynamism of modern art, depicting nearly a century of creative evolution!

A Rare Opportunity for South Carolinians

This exhibition has been organized by the Brooklyn Museum, a trailblazer in collecting French modernist works since the early 1900s. With “French Moderns,” South Carolinians have a unique chance to experience this rich collection right in their backyard without hopping a plane to New York. It’s a fantastic opportunity to dive deep into the essence of modern art and appreciate the journeys of iconic artists.

Weather Forecast for a Day at the Museum

As you plan your visit, don’t forget to check out the weather! Expect some morning fog that will give way to partly cloudy skies by the afternoon. With a very warm high of 81°F and light variable winds, it sounds like a perfect day to explore the beauty housed within the museum.

Whether you’re an avid art lover or just looking for a delightful afternoon outing, “French Moderns” at the Columbia Museum of Art is a not-to-miss event. Gather your friends and family, snap some photos, and immerse yourselves in the magic of modern art!