Diana MacKown Visits Nevelson Chapel
There’s no question last night’s gathering was the work of Louise Nevelson herself. Celebrating the photo installation of her long-time studio assistant and friend, Diana MacKown, friends old and new gathered for an evening that stretched back in time to the 1960s and 1970s, even as it stretched ever forward, to a future yet to be.
New York City was dramatically different when Louise Nevelson created Nevelson Chapel. But then as now, the moment called urgently for time together. Time to remember the past. Time to dream of the future. Time to create the today in which we wish to dwell.
Those who came to Nevelson Chapel last night were given a rare glimpse beyond the environments Nevelson created into the environments in which she lived. Diana’s photographs offer an intimate view into their work together, their travel and their friends. For a moment last night — with so many of these friends present — there was really no distinction between picture and person. Very Nevelson.
The singular power of Nevelson to honor time and place, even as she transcends both; and her ability to enfold us so naturally into an experience that simultaneously grounds and transports us, distinguishes her from her peers. Nevelson draws us in precisely because hers is not a false promise; but one that arises from her unflinching authenticity. She crafted these environments for herself, too.
Arne Glimcher, Diana MacKown, Milly Glimcher
Arne Glimcher, Pace Gallery founder and instrumental catalyst in the creation of Nevelson Chapel, put it this way: “Nevelson Chapel was conceived in white to reflect light and as such encompass the space with an aura of contentment and peace. It is especially poignant at this time of confusion and discontent .... It projects hope.”
No wonder when reflecting on the uncertainties of our time Diana MacKown herself said, “I just need to go be in Louise’s chapel.
If you were part of this crowd, thank you for coming. If you weren’t, next time you are here in New York City, Nevelson would be very glad for you to find hope in her chapel, too.
