After seeing this show at the Whitney, we had a second chance to see it in San Francisco. It looked more impressive - and viewers had a better chance to contemplate the work - in Whitney's majestic space, not to mention that six pieces didn't make it. Nevertheless, it was still wonderful to take a journey through Stella's career. The earlier work from the 1960s (the Black paintings and their family) has an unparalleled clarity verging on spirituality, and remains a favorite. Later work is a playful balancing of forms, colors, and masses.

@ de Young Museum, San Francisco, through February 26

Unlike some of Cornelia Parker's other work, "Transitional Object (PsychoBarn)" is a little flat. Contrary to the Hitchcock movie that inspired it, the installation is short on mystery and fails to hook the viewer, who, after a quick look at the piece alone and the piece within the context of the environment, has not much more to discover. However, it is still enjoyable, and successfully takes into consideration the site it is made for. 

What a wonderful idea for an inaugural show to have the theme of Unfinished! And what a marvelous collection of works, spanning many centuries and styles! Don't miss the Picasso as you walk in (portrait of a woman), the other Picasso (Harlequin Portrait), the Cezanne of Aix-en-Provence, the Liechtenstein, the Kerry James Marshall (wow!), the Janine Antoni, the van Eyck (detail!), the Freud self-portraits, the van Gogh Auverne-sur-Oise, and many many more! Time and again I found myself admiring the Whitney for putting together such a successful show, only to be reminded that it's now the powerhouse of the Met :)
@ The Met Breuer till September 4th

"Strange New Beauty" is a mesmerizing show. It is exhilarating to see Degas experimenting with a new medium, loosening up, and getting adventurous with his markings (painted, wiped, scratched etc). There is a boldness and directness that draws you into the work, and the result is at times dramatic, other times atmospheric, and always enchanting.

@ MoMA through July 24

Interesting, but not breath-taking. A poet's ruminations on basic issues. Not surprisingly, the strongest pieces were the ones that were most compelling visually.
@ MoMA