Known for stylized film classics like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, the full artistry of Tim Burton is celebrated in this New York MoMA curated exhibition. A smashing success around the world, The Art of Tim Burton takes over Lafayette Art Center until October 10 with tickets available through That's here.
Despite being one of the most accomplished directors alive, with the second Alice in Wonderland recently released in China, Tim Burton has never stopped creating and designing artwork. An extension of his 2009 book, The Art of Tim Burton offers unique insight into one of the world’s most distinctive stylists.
Sporting his iconic mad-scientist hairstyle, the wicked talent somehow managed to escape media attention at the exhibition’s Shanghai opening. It wasn’t until he was formally introduced that he commanded full attention. Although besieged with cameras and microphones, it was still difficult to read him.
Thankfully, The Art of Tim Burton provides a glimpse into what’s going on in that crazy mind. MoMA New York curator Jenny He recalls her astonishment when she first went through Burton’s private collection of work.
“Going through his archive was like a treasure hunt for me as a curator,” He says, “I think he must have a machine that makes a day 36 hours long because he is so prolific and somehow managed to produce all these drawings, sculptures and installations.”
With over 500 original Burton pieces scattered over four floors, The Art of Tim Burton is an extensive journey into his art world with curiosity ending in awe.
Unlike a typical MoMA exhibition, which is a more comprehensive retrospective, He focused on specific themes and motifs within Burton’s world, such as his look at holidays and misunderstood outcasts. The order allows visitors to start on any floor while still managing to explore the massive exhibition without missing a thing.
The second floor, however, is arguably the highlight of this exhibition. The ‘Polaroid Section and Unrealized Projects’ area contains Burton’s Polaroid works from 1992-1999, a period in which he took a break from filmmaking.
Visitors can see some of the unrealized ideas from that, one of which is a handwritten note from Johnny Depp about a line in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It is carefully framed – a bonus for attentive fans.
Don’t forget to stop by the luminous area on the B1 floor, which is inspired by the Oogie Boogie scenes from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Besides thrilling visitors, the curator hopes that the area will increase the understanding on how Burton’s films and artwork impact each other.
“The subversion of expectations is really what makes him so unique and singular, because he sees the world in a different way,” He explains.
Years of working with Burton have given her the ability to decipher his artistic language.
“Spirals and stripes might be disorienting, but Tim finds they ground him,” she explains. “Stitches and dismemberment seem grotesque to most, but he sees it as a ability to put oneself together, like Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Until October 10, 10am-10pm, RMB130-200. LaFayette Art Center, tickets.
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