Mirth of Miro ‘Shape of Color’ Heavy With Meaning—and Humor by Gary Tischler It’s sometimes remarkable how little humor exists in art. Some art is, of course, funny and amusing, but it’s hardly ever treated that way: Laughter in a gallery or museum is usually only the result of reception champagne. Well, I have to admit that I had a hard time keeping from smiling, guffawing, and coming close to outright laughter at the Corcoran Gallery recently. “The Shape of Color: Joan Miro’s Painted Sculpture” is heavy with seriousness, import and history—all of it fascinating to no end. This exhibition of sculptures, maquettes, documentary photographs, films, sketchbooks and preparatory drawings is an exploration—specific and generous—of a great artist venturing out into new arenas... Chicago Scene Exhibit of Renowned Feminist Artist Spans Seven Periods by Anna Gawel Feminism—the word itself is rife with connotation and misconception. It is a source of pride and strength to some, a source of derision and mockery to others. But whatever image or emotion it conjures, the word is at the heart of a movement that inspired a wealth of artistic creativity and ingenuity. And at the forefront of this artistic movement is Judy Chicago, still considered a trailblazer by legions of her contemporaries... Mulling Things Over Uruguayan Artist Creates Bronze, Wood Pieces That Require Consideration by Heather Nalbone Cecilia Miguez never intended to be a sculptor. Instead, this native of Uruguay studied painting under some of her home country’s most acclaimed artists. “I did a lot of everything—ballet, writing, art,” Miguez said. “My training was in painting, but I got tired of trying to make images in two dimensions.” So she tracked down a hammer and chisel and taught herself how to sculpt. “Sculpting is much faster and easier,” she said... Keeping It Simple Japanese Woodblock Prints Show Beginnings of Mass Culture by Heather Nalbone Anyone who’s visited the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery can attest to the museum’s dual nature. From ancient Near Eastern ceramics to contemporary Japanese porcelain, the Smithsonian’s collection of Asian art provides as much historical and cultural documentation as artistic narration. So it comes as no surprise that popular culture is at the center of one of the gallery’s most recent exhibits... Sultan of Style Painter, Sculptor Impiglia Fuses Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Cubism, Expressionism by Jordan Gilmore Mixing two or more artistic styles is always risky. But when it’s done right, the results can be outstanding. Italian-born painter and sculptor Giancarlo Impiglia uniquely fuses elements of art nouveau, art deco, cubism and expressionism to create a style all his own. His work will be on display at the Italian Cultural Institute from Nov. 20 to Dec. 7.

Colorful Character Large, Multifaceted Exhibit Also Reflects Bonnard’s Life, Talents by Gary Tischler As an exhibition experience, “Pierre Bonnard: Early and Late” is by no means a piece of cake. But on its subject and its appearance at The Phillips Collection, it just may finally be the whole cake. The exhibition isn’t easy: It’s so big and multifaceted that you may get confused or just plain tired and exhausted. But then, it’s also a clear reflection of the man, his life, his talents, and the way he moved in and out of the shadows cast by his peers, friends, styles and movements—the modern and moderns... Dining: Light in the Night Firefly Glows With Reinterpretation of American, Other Dishes by Rachel Hunt and Stephen Qualiana Thoroughly Modern Moliere French Playwright’s Work Proves Timeless in ‘Misanthrope’ by Gary Tischler Jean Baptiste Poquelin—a.k.a. Moliere—is, like his great compatriot William Shakespeare, with us always, as alive as you and me. At least it certainly seems that way on stage, no matter what the circumstances. Although directors from high school to off-Broadway to the venerable stages of the world more often try to place Shakespeare’s plays elsewhere in time and place, most productions of Moliere’s plays tend to stay in the time and place familiar to the playwright—the France and Paris of Louis XIV, the Sun King and Moliere’s great and dangerous patron... Grand Finale Washington Opera to End Season at Kennedy Center With ‘Vanessa’ and ‘Idomeneo’ by Gary Tischler Plácido Domingo on stage. A Pulitzer-Prize winning opera. The legendary opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa. Mozart. Oh, and the ancient Greeks and a troika of modern women. The Washington Opera is giving the Kennedy Center’s Opera House a splendid and temporary adieu, climaxing the fall season with the presence of big stars in two big productions. Events Life Without a Plan De Oliveira’s ‘I’m Going Home’ Shows How Life Goes On by Ky N. Nguyen I’m Going Home” is a quiet gem reflecting on how life goes on with or without us. Many of its most profound moments are unhurried scenes without words, suggesting work Portuguese director Manoel de Oliveira may have made over seven decades ago... Film Directory/Cinema International Fil m Clips