From the moment you first walk in to the Morris Museum, in Morristown, New Jersey, you know you’re in for something special. The sharp-eyed will notice the dinosaur footprints and the next thing to capture your imagination will be the poster behind the front desk–yes, it’s the “Aetherologist” … and that’s just one of the surprises in store in the latest special exhibit “A Cache of Kinetic Art: Curious Characters,” running through June 20. The exhibit represents the winners of the first-ever juried exhibition of kinetic art that pairs many new works with classic works from the Murtogh D. Guiness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata.
Touring us through the gallery were Curator Michele Marinelli and Conservator Jere Ryder. Ryder has been with the Guinness Collection since before it was given to the Morris Museum and we were in expert hands to tour the brilliance that brings worlds together. The Victorians were fascinated by magic and machines and the marriage of that came to full flower in many of these marvels. Juxtaposing old and new, we see that clever minds are always in fashion and old admonishments get new vigor with machines behind them.
It is fascinating to see the influences in pieces like Brett King’s “Aetherologist” that captured my attention immediately. Also look for special demonstrations of the “Bird of Paradise,” the “Mandala,” “Koppelia,” and “Spring,” when you’re there, though I know you’ll have your own favorites as well when you visit.
Calling all Makers! Put the weekend of May 18-20 on your calendar as well for AutomataCon! (Pronounced “aw-TOM-ata-con”—I almost hurt myself trying, the first time I said it). Vendors, artists and creator of the event, Artist Brett King will be on hand to talk about their work. Children can make their own automata at the Guinness Collection and your friends will talk about this for weeks! Visit www.morrismuseum.org for more details!