Methods for Modernism, on view through July 3, 2010, at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, tackles American participation in European modernism and the tricky navigation required to incorporate new technical and methodological theory through indigenous traditions. In many ways, the period of 1900 to 1925 is pivotal to American Art… a time of critics tackling questions of “what is American Art?” and proposing proper and suitable subject matter. Modernism faces the launch of Colonial Revival and usable past – amongst other good stuff. Quality theme for an exhibition.

1913 to 1917 was a momentous and inventive period for Matisse. Yet, those years have been understudied. Until now.

The Art Institute of Chicago brings new scholarship and research to light in Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913-1917. Full exploration of some 120 works of art – including painting and sculpture – highlights his ambition and the risks he took in technique. On view is Bathers By The River (seen after the jump), one of the most pivotal of Mattisse’s paintings completed during the stretch.

The exhibition runs through June 20, 2010.

Not surprisingly, MOMA’s recently opened exhibition Bauhaus 1919-1933: Workshops for Modernity has generated a considerable amount of press interest. For one, it is the first comprehensive showing of material from the school at MOMA since 1938. I’ve already posted links to a couple reviews over at Selectism, but wanted to share Eric J. Herboth’s views from DesignObserver here. The essays articulates well the context of the exhibition from the Museum’s perspective, for which I’m grateful.

The exhibition runs to January 25, 2009, and if you have not yet had the opportunity I recommend spending some time on the interactive site MOMA has prepared. Included is a timeline, a section outlining life at the Bauhaus, selected works, and the chance to take the Kandinsky questionnaire.

Photographer Julius Shulman was instrumental in crafting the vision of modernism in Southern California. His work combined the architectural detail of a place, along with natural surroundings, and never forgot the role of the inhabitant. Opening his archives, Julius Shulman, Modernism Rediscovered, 3 Volumes provides an extensive selection of treasures. Shulman passed away on July 17, 2009, his legacy remaining in an unparalleled body of work.

The 3 volume publication is available from Taschen. For those wanting something a touch more accessible, there is also a single volume book.

Page views follow.

Playing a key roll in establishing an American identity in the early 20th Centuries, Art Colonies through Connecticut and Maine inspired artists from George Bellows to Edward Hopper. In towns like Old Lyme, CT, artists gathered to escape the summer heat of the city and find their vision of the American landscape. In Call of the Coast: Art Colonies of New England 73 works of art chronicle the development of impressionism in Connecticut and modernism in Maine.

The exhibition is on view at Portland Museum of Art through October 12, 2009. Above is a video featuring Chief Curator (and the guy that got me into the museum world) Tom Denenberg giving a behind the scenes look at the installation.

If you live in Southern California and modernism is your thing, head out to Santa Monica Civic Auditorium this weekend. The Los Angeles Modernism Sale brings together 90 dealers in 20th-century art and furniture from across the United States and Europe. The event runs until Sunday.

Full information here.

Across the United States, gems of modernist design are hidden in plain site of both general public and arts world. One house, the Miller in Columbus, Indiana, is receiving renewed attention. Antiques Magazines shines a spotlight on the home – designed by Eero Saarinen and decorated by Alexander Girard – in April’s issue. If modernism is your thing, head to Columbus, Indiana, for a visit to the house. Until that is possible, check the article at Antiques.

Select interior images after the jump.

Michael Kimmelman’s review of the Le Corbusier exhibition stop in London (from today’s NYT) focuses on Britain’s admiration for an architect that never produced a building on its soil. Visitation and interest come against periods of time where the brutalist, concrete heavy, look of the modernist had come into question and viewed unpopular in London. Well worth the read.

Le Courbusier – The Art of Architecture is open to May 24, 2009.

Up since August and running to March 15, 2009, Silver Seduction traces the work of Antonio Pineda from the 1930s-1970s. His contributions to Mexican modernism and artistic national identity are highlighted. The exhibition is on view at UCLA’s Fowler Museum. A full review was published this week in the Bee.

The short video above introduces Pineda and his achievements in metalwork.

One of the most influential artists of the Harlem Renaissance is Aaron Douglas. Influences ranging from cubism to Egyptian wall painting formed his distinct paint and print style. As a graphic artist, he worked for the radical publication FIRE! Most famously, Douglas’ "Aspects of Negro Life" four panel mural colored the walls of the 135th branch of the New York Public Library. His legacy is celebrated in "Aaron Douglas: African American Modernist," a new exhibition at the Smithsonian Museum Of American Art. Accompanying the exhibit is a major monograph of Douglas’ work with essays by David Driscoll and Richard Powell.