In a captivating turn of events, Carol Bove has brought to light a remarkable mural by Joan Miró that has remained largely unseen by the public for over two decades. This unveiling is part of Bove's exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, which, while labeled a retrospective, features an eclectic mix of works from various artists alongside Bove's creations.
The mural, titled Alicia (1965-67), is an impressive 19-foot-long piece crafted from 190 ceramic tiles in collaboration with ceramicist Josep Llorens Artigas. For the first time in years, visitors can view this stunning artwork, located near the ramp to the museum's second level.
Commissioned in 1963 by Harry F. Guggenheim, then-president of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, the mural was created to honor Alicia Patterson, the Newsday editor and Guggenheim's wife, who passed away that same year. Typically concealed behind a false wall, this mural is a hidden gem within the museum's collection.
Interestingly, the mural features the name "Alice" instead of "Alicia," a detail that Miró was informed of but chose not to change. Despite being mostly obscured by a grey partition, Bove has ingeniously carved a diamond-shaped opening in the wall, allowing a glimpse of the mural.
This mural has become a part of Guggenheim lore, often unmentioned in public discussions. When the mural was previously displayed in full in 2003, it was noted that the museum's website did not even acknowledge its existence. However, this has changed, and the Guggenheim now features a page dedicated to Alicia.
In her coverage, journalist Carol Vogel mentioned that the mural had been hidden for years due to curatorial decisions. Bove, however, includes it in her exhibition checklist, showcasing it alongside around 100 of her own works.
As noted by exhibition curator Katharine Brinson, Miró's vibrant palette of blue, red, yellow, and black harmonizes beautifully with Bove's own colorful steel sculptures, which also feature prominently in the show. This exhibition opens to the public tomorrow, promising an inspiring experience for art enthusiasts and the curious alike.
