Party Boat vs. Boating Party

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Experiment Station

boating party_bbq boating party_cherie nichols

(left) Luncheon of the Party Boat by George Bungarda (right) Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Luncheon of the Boating Party, between 1880 and 1881. Oil on canvas, 51 1/4 x 69 1/8 in.The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC, Acquired 1923

On a recent road trip, Phillips Director of Budgeting and Reporting Cherie Nichols did a double-take when she saw this Renoir lookalike in the barbecue joint she stopped at for a meal break. Frankenstein, Dorothy, and Elvis make appearances in George Bugarda’s Luncheon of the Party Boat; who would be in your Renoir parody?

The Man Dangling From Our Building

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Experiment Station

Installation of several works by Bernardi Roig is in progress as we near the opening date of his Intersections project at the Phillips, NO/Escape. Three of the works will be outside of the museum’s walls, including Acteon (2005), which will hang in the alleyway between the original Phillips house and the Goh Annex, a 1960s addition.

Installation of Bernardi Roig’s, Acteon, (2005). Polyester resin, marble dust and fluorescent lights. Figure life size. Courtesy Max Estrella Gallery, Madrid

The sculpture is lifted to the desired height on the wall with the help of Phillips preparators. Photos courtesy The Phillips Collection

Artist Bernardi Roig looks on as installation continues. Photos courtesy The Phillips Collection

Acteon from below, awaiting the final piece of the installation: a beam that will stem from the sculpture’s back and connect the original Phillips house with the Goh Annex. Photo courtesy The Phillips Collection

The finishing touches are put on Bernardi Roig’s Acteon.

Goodbye is Not Forever

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Experiment Station

Photos: Shelly Wischhusen

Phillips staff gathered last week for a heartfelt adieu to Chief Curator Eliza Rathbone, who has been organizing thoughtful exhibitions at the Phillips for nearly 30 years and recently announced her retirement. Hugs, handmade cards, and some misty eyes were present as the sun went down on her final day in the institution where she has made a lasting impact. We’re sad to see her go, but goodbye is not forever; she’ll continue on as Chief Curator Emerita and be back in 2017 with a special exhibition around Renoir’s The Luncheon of the Boating Party!