Photo courtesy of Michael O’Reilly |
Since Maurice Sendak’s death two days ago we’ve been seeing
an outpouring of remembrances, as well as a lot of renewed interest in his
work, both online and in our galleries. Everyone seems to be asking the same question: What is Sendak’s legacy?
Everyone has a different way of
answering that. Sendak was not only a
writer and illustrator, but also a stage and costume designer for more than a
dozen operas. He was a philanthropist, a
classical music fanatic, a collector of books and art and Mickey Mouse toys,
and a friend to many. Maurice Sendak’s
legacy is vast.
It will be a feast of Sendak’s pictures to which all are welcome, and a reunion of sorts for his characters, with the Wild Things, Mickey, Rosie, Pierre, Jennie, and more, all together again in the same gallery. It will be a challenge to display it all, and our Sendak gallery might look as closely hung as a 17th-century cabinet of curiosities (well, not quite like that: we wouldn’t hang Alligators All Around from the ceiling like curiosity collectors did with their stuffed alligators!). But we do hope you bring your curiosity for Sendak’s work to this exhibition so we can all continue to explore his legacy.
Three storyboard designs for Outside Over There. Pen and ink. © 1976 by Maurice Sendak |
We’re curious, too: What has Sendak’s work meant to you? What Sendak books or characters—be they well-known or obscure—have stayed with you since you first came upon them? We know you’ve got stories to share, as well, and we’re collecting them in our virtual guestbook.
P.S. If you can’t wait to see Sendak’s work until June 10, From Pen to Publisher is currently on view.
exhibitions from the Sendak collection