By Daniel Arimborgo
Unlike previous shows that focused just on the finished products, “Tiffany: Behind the Glass” examines the complete process of lamp and window production from the Tiffany studio in Corona.
The exhibition, organized in conjunction with the Neustadt Museum of Tiffany Art, is organized into six parts:
* An overview of the unique raw materials and processes used in Tiffany glass manufacture.
* Demonstrations of Tiffany's methods creating stained-glass windows.
* The work of four leading Tiffany designers
* Sections four and five explore Tiffany's marketing ideas – offering a wide range of styles to a large number of consumers.
* The final portion focuses on glass substitution, fragmentation, and restoration.
Visitors to the exhibit will be able to be a Tiffany expert for a day – identifying a fake, creating an original glass design, and taking home a whole new perspective on Tiffany glass.
At several dates during the run, mixed-media performances of “Tiffany: The Man and his Times” will be presented. Call 718-592-9700 or visit www.queensmuse.org for complete schedule.
Also at the QMA is work of critically acclaimed video artist Maureen Connor. The exhibition, “Seductions and Games: Recent Video Installations by Maureen Connor” is on view through Jan. 28. It is the first American museum survey devoted to Connor's interactive media production from the last decade and premieres a new installation created for the Queens Museum site. The exhibition also features major works like “Narrow Escape,” shown internationally, and for the first time in New York.
Since the late 1970s, Connor's art has been at the forefront of explorations of gender and its modes of representation, as well as innovative uses of new media like video, in art.
“Seductions and Games” explores social and cultural issues with interest, humor, and Connor's unique balance of wit, elegance, and her subtle, but often difficult messages to interpret. Many however, hit close to home like “Dancing Lessons” (1995) and “Bachelor Pad” (1997-98) which evoke memories of social embarrassment and sexual betrayal, and “Narrow Escape” (1996) which deals with competition among women, one of several topics of sexuality and gender Connor explores that ring true.
