goSmithsonian - February 2009 - (Page 10) became presidents, either by the death or resignation of an incumbent president. “Inventing Marcel Duchamp: The Dynamics of Portraiture” Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968) harnessed the power of portraiture and selfportraiture to secure his reputation as an iconoclast and to establish himself as a major figure in the art world. This exhibition showcases some 100 portraits and self-portraits of Duchamp, ranging from 1912 to the present, including works by Man Ray, Alfred Stieglitz, Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns. In “Portraiture Now: Feature Photography,” see photographer Martin Schoeller’s take on Angelina Jolie. “Reflections/Refractions: Self-Portraiture in the Twentieth Century” This exhibition probes the complex issues of identity in the past century. Included in the exhibition are self-portraits by Edward Hopper, Louise Nevelson, Robert Rauschenberg and Chuck Close. THIRD FLOOR Four galleries, opening onto the museum’s magnificent third-floor Great Hall, showcase the major cultural, scientific and political figures of the 20th century in “Twentieth-Century Americans” (permanent). On the third-floor mezzanine, “Bravo!” (permanent) features performing artists from the late 19th century to the present. “Champions” (permanent) salutes American sports figures whose impact made them a part of the larger story of the nation. Smithsonian American Art Museum Don’t miss the newest work in the collection— the bright blue monumental sculpture, Modern Head, by pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, on display at the corner of 9th and F streets. The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM), the nation’s first collection of American art, captures the aspirations, character and imagination of the nation’s people from the Colonial period to today. The museum is a center for the study, enjoyment and preservation of the country’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. LUCE FOUNDATION CENTER FOR AMERICAN ART The Luce Foundation Center is the only art study facility in the city where visitors can browse through artworks in storage; no appointment necessary. More than 3,300 of the museum’s paintings, sculptures, craft and folk art objects are on display in secure glass cases. With the touch of a button, pneumatic drawers open to reveal portrait miniatures, bronze medals and contemporary craft jewelry. FOR FAMILIES At the third-floor information desk, pick up the Luce Foundation Center’s scavenger hunt; follow clues to discover artworks. At the information desks on the main floor, ask about free monthly programs like “SAAM I Am” family days, Art à la Cart, artist demonstrations and musical performances. FIRST FLOOR Paintings by Edward Hopper entice visitors to the “American Experience” introductory galleries near the lobby. These galleries, 10 goSmithsonian.com MARTIN SCHOELLER/ AMY HUTCHINS/SI http://www.goSmithsonian.com
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