Arch Connelly's first museum survey opens at Aspen Art Museum

The Aspen Art Museum in Colorado is hosting 'Straighten Your Wig and Pray', the first-ever museum survey of late artist Arch Connelly (1950-93), on view until 11 October. Connelly, a beloved figure in the 1980s East Village art scene, was known for faux pearl-encrusted paintings and sculptures. The exhibition features over 50 works gathered from friends and family, displayed in a theatrical setting designed by Fabio Cherstic. Curators Stella Bottai and Daniel Merritt collaborated with Connelly's friends, including artist Jimmy Wright, who donated correspondence to the Whitney Museum. Connelly's Pink Manifesto, written for his 1980 show at Artists Space, is included. His work appeared at Fun Gallery alongside Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, and in the New Museum's 1982 'Extended Sensibilities' show. Connelly died of AIDS-related complications at 43. The exhibition title comes from a 1987 pearl-encrusted crucifix with a mirror.