The usual mix of one very good show (Amy Sherald's portraits); one conceptual show, where the theory is more interesting than the art; and one boring up-and-comer. The floor with the permanent collection was closed but we sat for a long time in colorful Andirondack-style chairs dreaming into the misty Hudson, which was about as good as seeing the Hoppers.
Then a quick circuit of touristy Little Island & my resentment that the West Side gets all the cool new stuff.
Even though we're members, I hadn't been to the Whitney in ages. Very much enjoyed the Amy Sherald show of large, colorful portraits of well-dressed Black people. She's probably best known for her official portrait of Michelle Obama, which holds us off more than it lets us in, revealing resolve & self-sufficiency. While flat & not overly detailed, every single picture was arresting - she showed something about everyone that I had to believe was true about them. Great hats! Great clothes!
It was a two-for-one day of culture. In the evening my visiting sister & went to Drunk Shakespeare, which was funny & topically satirical, & the best kind of live theater: actors putting everything they had on the stage. Only one was drunk & boy was he. But he managed to give the "tomorrow & tomorrow" speech with dignity & conviction. There was a woman who sang fantastically & followed that with a perfect cartwheel. I also loved that everyone in the cast wanted the audience to have a good time.
Got a member's preview of the Whitney's new show, Inheritance, the other day. Lots of interesting art but the concept seemed limited to the effect (inheritance) of slavery & racism in the United States, with a bit about pregnancy. Very literal. Not sure exactly what I was hoping for but something more complex than this.