Damaged Romanticism: A Mirror of Modern Emotion

Romanticism—an all-encompassing international artistic and philosophical movement— fundamentally redefined the ways in which we have come to perceive ourselves and our world. While it cannot be identified with a single style, technique, or attitude, Romantic art was highly imaginative and emotionally charged. Romantics were drawn to nature, especially its wild and mysterious aspects. Whereas Classical and Neoclassical art was calm and restrained, Romantic art conveyed intense, mystical feelings and depicted exotic, melancholic, and melodramatic subjects. A number of contemporary artists have revitalized the tenants of Romanticism, but with a twist. They make art that preserves many of the characteristics of their predecessors, but dispenses with their naiveté, absolutism, and egomania. Damaged Romanticism features fifteen (15) international artists who work in a variety of media: painting, sculpture, photography, and mixedmedia installations. While stylistically dissimilar, their artistic approach puts emotions front and center: gone is the do-or-die finality of classic Romanticism. The show includes works by: Richard Billingham (England), Berlinde de Bruykere (Belgium), Edward Burtynsky (Canada), Sophie Calle (France), Petah Coyne (United States), Angelo Filomeno (Italy/United States), Jesper Just (Denmark), Florian Maier-Aichen (Germany/United States), Mary McCleary (United States), Wangechi Mutu (Kenya/United States), Julia Oschatz (Germany), Annee Olofsson (Sweden), David Schnell (Germany), and Ryan Taber and Cheyenne Weaver (United States). Damaged Romanticism is organized by the Blaffer Gallery at the University of Houston and is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue with essays by Colin Gardner, David Pagel, and Terrie Sultan and a short story by Nick Flynn. The exhibition and publication are made possible, in part, by the Elizabeth Firestone Graham Foundation, The Cecil Amelia Blaffer von Furstenberg Endowment for Exhibitions and Programs, and the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Houston. The presentation of Damaged Romanticism at the Grey Art Gallery is made possible in part by the Abby Weed Grey Trust. Public programs are supported by the Grey’s Inter/National Council.