MAG hosts monumental Parrish exhibit

Popular though he was, such commercialism didn't sit well with the critics. Not until the 1960s--spurred by such Parrish enthusiasts as Andy Warhol--would the art world once again sing his praises.

On Sunday, February 20, the Memorial Art Gallery will join in the chorus when it unveils over 130 of this prolific artist's paintings, drawings, prints, photos, and ephemera. Maxfield Parrish, 1870-1966 is the first-ever critical retrospective of the artist and is the largest and most expensive exhibition ever shown at MAG.

Among the key works in this traveling exhibition, which is organized by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the American Federation of Arts, is a painting well known to MAG visitors--and one with Rochester roots. Interlude: The Lute Players (pictured above in detail) was one of three murals George Eastman had commissioned for the Eastman Theatre--and it was his favorite, a "peacherina" he called it. Parrish, a great admirer of classical music, completed the seven-foot-high painting in 1922. Interlude took on a life of its own when it served as the inspiration for a theater program that was staged during Eastman's lifetime.

In recent years, the painting had started to deteriorate and was removed from the theater in 1994 for conservation treatment, a photographic reproduction taking its place. While there was speculation at the time that the Eastman School might sell the painting, those rumors were put to rest in 1997 when then Acting Director James Undercofler announced that Interlude would go on permanent loan to MAG.

Since then, hundreds of thousands of MAG visitors have gotten a glimpse into Parrish's artistry and his trademark iridescent blue known as "Parrish blue." Now, with the mounting of this exhibit, visitors can get a long look at his works that convey a unique vision of fantasy, with overtones of nostalgia, innocence, and humor.

There will be a number of programs held in conjunction with the exhibition, beginning with the preview party on Saturday, February 19. (See the Currents calendar for details on this event and check subsequent issues for details on upcoming events.) During the Parrish exhibition--which remains on view through Sunday, April 30--MAG has extended its hours on Friday to 9 p.m. Admission to the exhibit is free to members and to visitors age 16 and under. All admission prices include an audio tour.

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