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Mattia Bonetti (Swiss, b 1953), embroidery “Pop” sofa , 2004, hand embroidered silk on cotton cloth, Chinese lacquer on wood frame, 305/16 by 727/16 by 36¼ inches, edition of 10. Collection of the designer, courtesy Contrasts Gallery, Hong Kong. Photo courtesy Contrasts Gallery, Hong Kong

 

MUST RUN 2/8

MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN EXTENDS ‘PRICKED’ AND ‘CHEERS’ w/1 cut

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NEW YORK CITY — The Museum of Arts & Design will extend the run of its popular, current exhibitions through April 27. Now on view are the “Pricked: Extreme Embroidery” and “Cheers! A MAD Collection of Goblets.”

Stone, digital prints, even human hair and cosmetic skin peel are some of the unexpected materials used by 48 artists from 17 countries to create the startling embroidered works featured in the “Pricked: Extreme Embroidery.”

“Pricked,” which showcases the diversity of new approaches to this time-honored needle working technique, is the Museum of Arts & Design’s latest exploration into how centuries-old handcraft traditions are reinvented in the mainstream of contemporary art and design. The 60 featured works use embroidery to convey powerful, provocative and often satirical commentary on contemporary society, politics and personal history.

The exhibition follows the success and the international acclaim of “Radical Lace & Subversive Knitting,” which premiered at MAD earlier this year and is now on national tour. Like “Radical Lace,” this new exhibition challenges the way the public views the contemporary evolution of an ancient art.

 Celebrating its half-century birthday and future new home at Two Columbus Circle (opening in September), MAD is assembling a collection of celebratory goblets in all mediums — glass, metal, clay, fiber, wood and mixed media. These vessels will be displayed prominently in the museum’s new building, beginning with the grand opening.

Part of the goblet collection, however, is being given a “sneak preview” at the museum’s present home on 53rd Street in the exhibition, “Cheers! A MAD Collection of Goblets.”

A drinking glass with a foot and a stem — what could be simpler? Within this definition, however, exist myriad variations of form, color and decoration. The exhibition features an engaging and diverse selection of vessels made by more than 100 artists from around the world.

Works by such renowned artists as Lino Tagliapietra, Dale Chihuly and Ginny Ruffner are included, as well as cutting-edge works by emerging artists. Many pieces were created expressly for the exhibition, and are on public display for the first time. “Cheers! A MAD Collection of Goblets” is based on the promised gifts of artist-made goblets of Jack and Aviva Robinson, along with gifts from collectors and artists from around the world.

“Celebration and ceremony are intertwined with the history of goblets,” says David Revere McFadden, the museum’s chief curator.

Additional exhibition-related programs have recently been added to the museum’s calendar of events.

For information, 212-956-3535 or www.madmuseum.org.