Lecture Notes: Joseph Cornell's Work and Legacy

Key Themes in Cornell's Work

Elegant Beauty: Cornell's work is described as elegant, gutsy, intelligent, and complex.
Miniature Theater: His creations often resemble miniature theaters with narratives, mysteries, and interactive experiences.
Collections of Boxes: Known for his beautiful boxes and intimate objects reflecting themes of movement, music, and temporality.

The Bergman Collection

Collectors: Ed and Lindy Bergman were passionate collectors of Cornell's work, with a comprehensive and detailed collection.
Cultural Contribution: The Bergmans were notable cultural figures in Chicago, keen on making a unique contribution to art.
Collection Setting: Their collection was displayed in a beautiful apartment on Lakeshore Drive.

Notable Works by Joseph Cornell

Petite Muse: An atypical work using a found box instead of the usual glass-paned constructions.
- Invites contemplation on the nature of museums and cultural values.
Kakatu Box with Watches: Part of the "Avary" series, inspired by birds and metaphorical for human navigation and the passage of time.
Soap Bubble Set: Features Dutch elements, reflecting Cornell's ancestry, and evokes scientific experimentation themes.
Beehive Thimble Forest: Uses mirrors and thimbles to create an illusion of infinity.

Cornell's Interest in Ballet

Romantic Ballet Fascination: Developed a deep interest in ballet in the early 1920s.
- Ballet represented a symbolic and beautiful small world to Cornell.
Ballerina References: Created boxes referencing famous ballerinas like Tamara Toumanova, who became a muse for Cornell.
- The relationship included exchanges of costume pieces incorporated into his work.

Cornell's Impact and Legacy

Influence on Other Artists: Impacted artists like Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, and Andy Warhol.
- His experimental approach inspired new artistic methodologies in the 1950s.
Flemish Princess Series: Demonstrates influences from film, likening compartments to film stills.

Conclusion

Joseph Cornell's work is celebrated for its intricate beauty, narrative depth, and profound influence on both contemporaries and future generations of artists. The Bergman collection showcases this legacy, highlighting the significance of Cornell's unique artistic vision.