As the exuberance of Pride Month sweeps across the city, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) has become a beacon of celebration, creativity, and reflection. A recent tour and luncheon, graced by the presence of the illustrious Jordan Roth, exemplified the spirit of Pride and the transformative power of art. Hosted by the ever-charming Chair Emerita Barbara Tober and the visionary Director Tim Rodgers, this event shone a spotlight on two mesmerizing exhibitions that weave together themes of queerness, identity, and self-expression.
The Magic of Wearable Art: OUT of the Jewelry Box
OUT of the Jewelry Box is not just an exhibition; it’s a heartfelt journey through 56 pieces of wearable art from The Porter Price Collection. These works, seen through a distinctly queer lens, explore profound themes such as AIDS, closetedness, and the rich tapestry of identity. With a sparkle in her eye, MAD Curator Elissa Auther shared the collection’s essence:
“This art is designed to make us think differently about what jewelry can be, and appreciate queerness from perspectives we don’t usually see.”
This collection is a vibrant celebration of the lives of Ron Porter and Joe Price, whose love and experiences breathe life into each piece. It invites us to reconsider jewelry not just as adornment, but as a powerful medium for storytelling and personal expression.
Identity Is…: A Fabric of Pride
Adding to this colorful narrative is Identity Is…, a spectacular coat designed by Michael Sylvan Robinson for Jordan Roth’s appearance at the 2021 Met Gala. Displayed in the Barbara Tober Grand Atrium, the coat is a jubilant collage of queer imagery and texts, each stitch a testament to the artistry and courage of the LGBTQ+ community. Michael Sylvan Robinson describes the creation with palpable pride:
“The coat is hand-stitched into a collage with pieces of art and fragments of Jordan’s writing.”
Jordan Roth, reflecting on the broader impact of wearable art, shared his profound insight:
“We are conditioned to think of art as only that which is framed or put on a pedestal. Some art is worn, some art is hung on the ear or the neck. What you all do here at MAD, with curatorial rigor, provides a platform so we can see the art we don’t always understand as art.”
Pride and Wearable Art: A Joyful Intersection
These exhibitions, brimming with color and emotion, underscore the joyous essence of PRIDE. They remind us that Pride is not just a celebration but an affirmation of the diverse expressions of queer identity. Wearable art, with its intimate and personal nature, becomes a vibrant language through which stories of resilience, love, and discovery are told. It invites us to see art in the everyday, to find beauty in the personal, and to celebrate the unique.
In the glow of Pride Month, the Museum of Arts and Design stands as a jubilant testament to the power of art and identity. By showcasing these extraordinary works, MAD not only honors the LGBTQ+ community but also elevates the conversation around what art can be. It affirms that art, in all its myriad forms, is a joyous vehicle for visibility, understanding, and change.
As we revel in the warmth and uniqueness of these exhibitions, let us celebrate the rich tapestry of stories they tell, and the vibrant, indomitable spirit of Pride they embody.
