James Ensor at MoMA

James Kalm anxiously pursues this enlightening exhibition by one of the most unique masters in the Modernist canon. Although he stayed near home, and rarely sought out the avant-garde, James Ensor became the Godfather of Northern Expressionism. His unique subject matter, brilliant draftsmanship, and sensitive yet urgent use of materials and color distinguish him as an inspiration of much 20th century art. Organized by Anna Swinbourne, Assistant Curator, Department of Painting and Sculpture.

[@claureic]

He was an Expressionist before the Expressionists, a Surrealist before the Surrealists, and even an abstractionist before abstraction. His influence is still obvious today (Twombly,Golub,Clemente,to name just 2). Great. Thanks James. You New Yorkers are lucky...

[@RonSchira]

WOW, I LOVE IT,
Now I have to visit the city...

[@jameskalm]

Hey spawn,
much of the stuff we see today and accept (ie grotesque, scatological, nightmarish and cartoonish) wasn't being done before Ensor. His "Christ Entering Brussels" (not in show) ranks up there with the best of Bosch. There's an urgency to his technique that inspired the Expressionists. Just compare Ensor to the academic production or the Impressionism of his day and you'll see the profound difference
JK.

[@jameskalm]

There's a great review of this show by Valery Oisteanu, (the cat I talk to) in the current Brooklyn Rail (July/August 2009) available online A nice read if you'd like a bit more insight.

[@lisengel2498]

jameskalm hi I would like to get the link if possible

[@Mattinkybpds11]

is that masks confronting death 4:14

[@m.e.4579]

most of the stuff our generation is psinting looks not so fresh. mine included. undervalued.

[@selloutasaurus]

thanks for a great look at the work of Ensor. Can't wait to return to NY & see it in person!

[@tmad890]

nice work on this video..thanks for sharing

[@michaelrowe1907]

Thanks again Kate

[@thirdrockjul2224]

Thank you Kate

[@MegaZidzid]

Unbelievable pieces of art, unique compared to anything I've seen before. Modern with personality.

[@blewEAGLE]

One of your better video, thanks...
enjoyed seeing the work, I do not understand the body fulids. He must have went through some dramatic changes in his life.

[@anawieder5003]

I don’t think Ensor had any influence on Van Gogh. They were contemporaries, born 2 years apart, and Van Gogh is the older one. it’s unlikely they knew each other because they lived in different places. Nolde, Kirchner, other German Expressionists, Soutine, De Kooning and many others but not Van Gogh.

[@cinecyclist]

embarrassed to say i'm not very familiar with his work. thanks for turning me on the his paintings.

[@ilpezkato]

Excellent!!!
Thanks for sharing!

[@galleryiguana409]

Thanks James. What a mind blowing exhibition!!