Year-end lists, plus a resolution

Who doesn't enjoy a tally of the good and the bad?  Below are 2010's most important art-world moments, according to this author.  Wholly subjective, in no particular order, and reflecting my affinity for American art (sorry, Renaissance enthusiasts).



Good:
1.  The Met's Stieglitz, Steichen, Strand show (up until April!)

2.  The Whitney's Charles Burchfield exhibition.  The late spooky nature paintings were a revelation.  I am converted.

3.  "Work of Art" renewed for a second season!
 
4. Hard not to love Doug and Mike Starn's "Big Bambu" installation on the Met's roof.  Whimsy, elegance, and real aesthetic chops in one sprawling, crowd-pleasing package.

5.  My favorite scholarly blog.  Wonderful resources, lovingly chosen.

Not good:
1.  The De Young has banned sketching in special exhibitions.  I imagine the rule is to keep people moving through crowded galleries, but really.  Copying from an original is perhaps the best way to study an artwork.  Not to mention it's been a central method of learning art through much of modern history.  Ecole des Beaux-Arts, anyone?

2.   The David Wojnarowicz fracas at the NPG.  The upside: new appreciation for Wojnarowicz's terrifying, moving film.

3.  Museum family days where the content isn't family-friendly.  See above: I'm not squeamish about challenging themes that appear in museums' galleries.  But I'd like museums to broadcast the existence of those themes very clearly, especially when said museums invite small kids.  That's directed at you, New Museum, and the "Skin Fruit" show.  The little placard near the coat check isn't enough.  We love the art projects and the snack bags from Whole Foods--please just let us know when to steer clear of the hard-core stuff.  Thanks.

4.  A brash idea that did not work.

5.  But is it art?  The worst album cover of the year.  (via Prefix)

And the resolution: More posts, more often.