David Wojnarowicz’s “A Fire in My Belly” installed at the New Museum (image courtesy of the New Museum)
We’ve all been curious about what David Wojnarowicz’s video looks like installed in the lobby of the New Museum. Well, check it out!
The installation of the video at the New Museum follows the National Portrait Gallery’s decision to remove the video from their Hide/Seek exhibition following Republican political pressure. For more background, see our interview with New Museum director Lisa Phillips and our earlier coverage of the Smithsonian controversy.
The video is on its own pedestal in front of the cafe in the New Museum, displayed on a large TV monitor. On the table below the monitor is a binder of news clippings documenting the controversy over the Smithsonian’s removal of the video, along with a plastic-mounted label explaining the details of the piece. Very visible in the lobby, the New Museum has made a strong statement by supporting the artist and the National Portrait Gallery’s curatorial decision to include the piece.
There was a steady stream of visitors to the piece over the time I was in the lobby this afternoon and it was great to see people paying attention to the piece as well as its political significance. Below, check out some details of the stand and the label, as well as another installation shot. Enjoy!
