Photo Coverage: New-York Historical Society Celebrates Launch of THE HIRSCHFELD CENTURY
By: Walter McBride May. 21, 2015
Al Hirschfeld immortalized celebrities, politicians, Broadway productions, films, television shows and beyond with his iconic linear drawings for nine decades, establishing himself as one of the most important contemporary portrait artists. Over a decade since the legendary artist drew his final line drawing, he continues to inspire. This spring, Hirschfeld will be celebrated with the publication of a new book and a major exhibition at the New-York Historical Society. Just last night the New-York Historical Society celebrated the launch of The Hirschfeld Century: The Art of Al Hirschfeld. the first major retrospective of Hirschfeld. Below, check out photos from insode the special cocktail party!
"In 2015 we celebrate many Hirschfeld milestones: 100 years since Hirschfeld saw his first Broadway show, 90 years since his first published caricature, 70 years since he first hid the name of his daughter Nina in one of his drawings (launching a national obsession of Nina-hunters), and 40 years since he received his first of two lifetime achievement Tony Awards," says Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, President, The Al Hirschfeld Foundation. "Al Hirschfeld glorified the artistic genius of those who created cinema and theatre. His drawings continue to mesmerize us with their fluidity, composition and cinematic style. We're thrilled that Hirschfeld's work continues to inspire people and that people will have the opportunity to experience his work in this beautiful new book and exhibition this spring."
The New-York Historical Society presents The Hirschfeld Century: The Art of Al Hirschfeld, May 22 - October 12, 2015. Organized by Louise Kerz Hirschfeld and guest curated by David Leopold of the Al Hirschfeld Foundation, the exhibition will be the most comprehensive to date, featuring more than 100 original drawings from the artist's early work for Hollywood studios to his last drawings for The New York Times. The exhibition will feature classic portraits of Charlie Chaplin, Carol Channing, Ella Fitzgerald, Jane Fonda and Ringo Starr, as well as cast drawings from such landmark productions as Fiddler on the Roof, West Side Story, and The Glass Menagerie. Also on view will be selections from the artist's sketchbooks, ephemera, and related videos.
Visitors to The Hirschfeld Century will explore the artist's career chronologically, beginning with his pre-caricature days at Selznick Pictures in the early 1920s to his last works in theater, film, television, music and dance in 2002. A video showingHirschfeld's working process, from inception to completion, will also be on view. Among the highlights is a 1928 drawing for MGM depicting the fledgling comedy team Laurel and Hardy in a bed with a brightly colored blanket, ingeniously made from a collage of wallpaper samples. An image of actress Ruby Keeler from No, No Nanette (1971) captures the wild energy of the 60-year old actress in her comeback role, enthusiastically tap dancing with arms and legs a-blur. Portraits of more recent stage legends like Jerry Orbach (in 42nd Street, 1980) and Sandra Bernhard (in I'm Still Here... Damn It!, 1998) evoke their big personalities with sparing lines.
In conjunction with the exhibition, on May 28 at 6:30PM, Louise Kerz Hirschfeld, Robert Osborne of The Hollywood Reporter and Turner Classic Movies, and legendary Broadway producer and director Harold Prince, will sit down to discuss the caricaturist's life and legacy through his art, career, and personal relationships. For tickets and information, visit www.nyhistory.org.
"Al Hirschfeld's work was ubiquitous for 82 years-in Hollywood, The New York Times, Broadway, film studios, and TV Guide covers," said Dr. Louise Mirrer, President and CEO of the New-York Historical Society. "We are thrilled to feature these iconic drawings that capture popular culture of the 20th century."
The New-York Historical Society, one of America's pre-eminent cultural institutions, is dedicated to fostering research and presenting history and art exhibitions and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, New-York Historical has a mission to explore the richly layered history of New York City and State and the country, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history.
Photo Credit: Walter McBride
'The Hirschfeld Century: The Art of Al Hirschfeld' exhibit
'The Hirschfeld Century: The Art of Al Hirschfeld' exhibit
Jane Powell and Louise Kerz Hirschfeld
Howard McGillin, Billy Stritch and Jim Brochu
Howard McGillin and Billy Stritch
'The Hirschfeld Century: The Art of Al Hirschfeld' exhibit
Ted Chaplin
Ted Chaplin
Louise Kerz Hirschfeld and Nina Hirschfeld
Nina Hirschfeld West
Nina Hirschfeld West
Nina Hirschfeld West
Nina Hirschfeld West
Nina Hirschfeld West
Sigourney Weaver, Louise Kerz Hirschfeld and Nina Hirschfeld
Sigourney Weaver, Louise Kerz Hirschfeld and Nina Hirschfeld West
Sigourney Weaver, Louise Kerz Hirschfeld and Nina Hirschfeld West
'The Hirschfeld Century: The Art of Al Hirschfeld' exhibit
Videos