Paul Kasmin Gallery Revisits 1947's Radical 'Bloodflames' Exhibition with Contemporary Artists
From June 26 to August 15, 2014, the Paul Kasmin Gallery showcased 'Bloodflames Revisited' at 293 Tenth Avenue and 515 West 27th Street, under the curation of Phong Bui. This exhibition was a reinterpretation of the original 'Bloodflames' show from 1947, which was curated by Alexander Iolas at the Hugo Gallery and featured notable artists such as Arshile Gorky and Isamu Noguchi. The modern iteration included over 20 contemporary artists, including Will Ryman, Cindy Sherman, and Glenn Ligon. Departing from Frederick Kiesler's original design, it featured vibrant Crayola-colored walls and hay-covered floors, with artwork displayed on raised platforms. Highlights included Ligon's 'Niggers Ain't Scared' and Do Ho Suh's translucent polyester stove, both of which pushed the boundaries of traditional gallery experiences.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Bloodflames Revisited' ran June 26-August 15, 2014
- Presented at Paul Kasmin Gallery's two New York locations
- Curated by Phong Bui in collaboration with Rail Curatorial Projects
- Reimagined the 1947 exhibition 'Bloodflames' organized by Alexander Iolas
- Original 1947 exhibition featured Frederick Kiesler's unconventional design
- Featured over 20 contemporary artists including Cindy Sherman and Glenn Ligon
- Used colored walls and hay-covered floors instead of white-cube aesthetics
- Displayed artworks on elevated platforms requiring unusual viewing angles
Entities
Artists
- Phong Bui
- Alexander Iolas
- Nicolas Calas
- Frederick Kiesler
- Arshile Gorky
- Isamu Noguchi
- Wifredo Lam
- Roberto Matta
- Will Ryman
- Cindy Sherman
- Chris Martin
- Roxy Paine
- Glenn Ligon
- Lynda Benglis
- Tunga
- Deborah Kass
- Alex Katz
- Do Ho Suh
- Richard Pryor
Institutions
- Paul Kasmin Gallery
- Rail Curatorial Projects
- Brooklyn Rail
- Hugo Gallery
Locations
- New York
- United States
- 293 Tenth Avenue
- 515 West 27th Street