Podcast Summary: "What's New at the Guggenheim" - All Of It with Alison Stewart

Release Date: January 6, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart, the spotlight shines on the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation. Alison engages in an insightful conversation with Mariette Westerman, the first woman to lead the Guggenheim Foundation as Director and CEO since June 2024. The discussion delves into Mariette's journey, her vision for the Guggenheim, and the museum's newest exhibitions, including a focus on Piet Mondrian.

Mariette Westerman’s Personal Connection to the Guggenheim

Alison Stewart begins by exploring Mariette Westerman’s personal relationship with the Guggenheim. Mariette recounts her first visit to the museum as a teenager from the Netherlands, a memory that has profoundly influenced her career path.

• Mariette Westerman [02:08]: "I remember coming up on this building having no idea what to expect... I was so stunned by the architecture, this swirling form upward from the outside... I could walk up and down and see people across looking at art."

Alison echoes this sentiment, expressing her own admiration for the Guggenheim’s iconic spiral architecture.

Educational Journey and Career Development

The conversation transitions to Mariette's academic background and her path into the art world. She shares her initial interest in art, which evolved from a personal passion nurtured in the Netherlands to a professional pursuit in art history.

• Mariette Westerman [05:10]: "I recognized that I could do this and that I could become... a curator, a professor, a writer, work in the trade."

Mariette emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and the role premier educational institutions play in her career.

• Mariette Westerman [08:58]: "You can keep learning all the way through your life... The best educational institutions... are for everyone to be able to learn something new they didn't already know."

She also touches on the concept of unlearning, particularly the habit of speaking too quickly and the value of listening more attentively.

• Mariette Westerman [10:32]: "I learned that sitting back and waiting and lying in wait, you often hear things that you might never have known about or that can really move a conversation forward."

Transition to the Guggenheim

Alison inquires about Mariette’s transition from academia to her role at the Guggenheim. Mariette reflects on her previous position at NYU Abu Dhabi and how the opportunity at the Guggenheim resonated with her passion for art.

• Mariette Westerman [13:14]: "The idea that I could bring something of my international experience back into what brought me the first love... which was art, was just irresistible."

Mariette discusses the Guggenheim's global presence, including its locations in New York, Venice, Bilbao, and the upcoming Abu Dhabi branch, highlighting the foundation's commitment to connecting art with diverse communities worldwide.

Vision and Upcoming Exhibitions at the Guggenheim

Mariette outlines her plans for the Guggenheim, emphasizing the importance of both preserving existing strengths and introducing new initiatives. A key initiative she discusses is the Collection in Focus series, which aims to spotlight more works from the Guggenheim's extensive collection.

• Mariette Westerman [15:46]: "We can shine a brighter light on our collection... Collection in Focus, which will be dedicated nimbly, one gallery at a time..."

She introduces the debut exhibition on Piet Mondrian, explaining his significance as a radical modern artist and the evolution of his work showcased in the exhibition.

In-Depth: Piet Mondrian Exhibition

The heart of the episode centers on the Piet Mondrian exhibition. Mariette provides an extensive overview of Mondrian's artistic journey, from his early works in the Netherlands to his influential abstract pieces.

• Mariette Westerman [18:45]: "Piet Mondrian is probably one of the three or four most radical modern artists of the 20th century... pure abstraction that almost anyone can visualize... primary colors, red, yellow and blue."

She describes specific works, such as "The Chrysanthemum", highlighting Mondrian’s analytical approach to nature and his transition towards abstraction influenced by Cubism.

• Mariette Westerman [21:39]: "He shows you really how he thought about the essence of this flower. From that period on, he really goes ever further from the appearances of nature into something that could create sort of this image of a world that lies behind visual impressions."

Mariette elaborates on the evolution depicted in the exhibition through works like "Still Life with Gingerpot" and its progression into a more Cubist style.

• Mariette Westerman [22:58]: "It's amazing to see so fast an evolution in the work step by step. He really left things behind and could say goodbye to what he'd done and move on to the next thing."

The discussion includes the impact of historical events, such as World Wars, on Mondrian's work and his eventual move to New York, where he continued his artistic exploration until his death in 1944.

• Mariette Westerman [25:13]: "He goes to New York because he loves the city... the abstraction of his art has a lot to do with the abstraction of music... he lived for and through his art."

The Role of Art Museums in a Diverse Society

Mariette shares her perspective on the importance of art museums in fostering understanding and learning within a diverse society. She underscores the role museums play in showcasing humanity's creative endeavors and facilitating inadvertent learning through enjoyment and engagement.

• Mariette Westerman [27:55]: "Art museums are tremendous resources precisely because they represent art and they show art... all cultures we know about make something that they might not call it art by our word art... to help us think about our existence or our relation to each other."

She highlights how the Guggenheim aims to cater to diverse audiences by tapping into their innate curiosity and fostering a space where art can bridge cultural and social gaps.

• Mariette Westerman [27:55]: "That's why... we can tap into that curiosity... a perfect match to the needs of a diverse society for all of us to see and understand each other a little better."

Conclusion and Future Plans

As the episode wraps up, Alison Stewart and Mariette Westerman reflect on the Guggenheim's mission and future endeavors. Mariette reiterates her commitment to enhancing the museum's offerings while preserving its foundational strengths.

• Mariette Westerman [29:35]: "It's a tremendous pleasure... thank you."

The episode closes with a teaser for the next segment, hinting at discussions around social justice and art at the Jewish Museum.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mariette Westerman [02:08]: "I was so stunned by the architecture, this swirling form upward from the outside... I could see people across looking at art."
• Mariette Westerman [08:58]: "You can keep learning all the way through your life... The best educational institutions... are for everyone to be able to learn something new."
• Mariette Westerman [15:46]: "We can shine a brighter light on our collection... Collection in Focus, which will be dedicated nimbly, one gallery at a time..."
• Mariette Westerman [18:45]: "Piet Mondrian is probably one of the three or four most radical modern artists of the 20th century..."
• Mariette Westerman [25:13]: "He goes to New York because he loves the city... he lived for and through his art."
• Mariette Westerman [27:55]: "Art museums are tremendous resources precisely because they represent art and they show art..."

Final Thoughts

This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive look into Mariette Westerman’s vision for the Guggenheim Museum, her passion for art history, and the intricate planning behind new exhibitions like the Piet Mondrian showcase. For art enthusiasts and those interested in cultural leadership, this conversation provides valuable insights into how museums can adapt and thrive in a diverse, ever-evolving society.

For more episodes and detailed discussions on culture and its consumers, listen to All Of It on WNYC.