On view April 25 through November 16, 2003

MIAMI, March 21, 2003--Miami Art Museum's new exhibition, Visual Poetics:
Art and the Word, presents approximately 50 works by an international roster of artists, focusing on the interaction of words and image. The exhibition is a richly varied display, involving several languages and many media, from small, intimate artists books, to large 9 by 13 square-foot expressionistic paintings. The works are drawn from MAM's permanent holdings and from private collections, including the internationally renowned Ruth and Marvin Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry.

Visual Poetics: Art and the Word is curated by MAM associate curator Cheryl Hartup, and features painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, prints, artists' books, and video by such artists as Carl Andre, José Bedia, Marcel Broodthaers, Jenny Holzer, André Masson, Rivane Neuenschwander, Tom Phillips, Ed Ruscha, and Carrie Mae Weems.

The exhibition is organized around three themes: the political, the poetic, and the purely formal. For example, Glenn Ligon addresses issues of racial identity by stenciling statements by African-American authors across the surface of his paintings. Raymond Pettibon combines drawings of figures usually associated with popular culture-like baseball players and characters like Alice of Alice in Wonderland-with sometimes oblique, but always poetic ruminations. Bruce Pearson sculpts language in his Styrofoam relief "paintings." His Die of Pleasure in dozens of shades of white is an image of transcendental beauty.

"Visual Poetics: Art and the Word is a lively display of the many ways in which visual artists embrace the written word and offers a distinct perspective of MAM's permanent holdings of international art. Artists have been fascinated with images and words since ancient times, but particularly in the 20th century. I am pleased MAM's exhibition includes works that have been created in the last few years and those of great historical importance," said Suzanne Delehanty, MAM director.

One of the most historically important works on view is Stéphane Mallarmé's "visual" poem Un Coup de dés (A Throw of the Dice) from 1897. This groundbreaking work by the noted, 19th-century, French writer, is the first poem whose visual presentation on the page is integral to its poetic meaning. Mallarmé's literary invention has influenced painters, artists, musicians, and poets for over a century. It is also the starting point for the Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry.

"We are pleased that Miami Art Museum is exhibiting the works of Enzo Miglietta, Françoise Mairey, Simon Lewty, and Dimitry Babenko from our archive. It is the first time these artists have been seen by the public in the United States in a museum setting. We feel the works will add a significant contribution to the success of the show," said Ruth and Marvin Sackner.

Members Preview
A special members opening takes place on Thursday, April 24, 2003, 7-8:30 p.m. MAM members free; non-members $10 (may be applied toward membership). For information, call 305.375.1708.

Related Programs

K-12 School and Summer Camp Tours
Tuesdays-Fridays, April 25 through November 16, 2003, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon

Discover how art can influence students' visual understanding, language skills, and critical thinking through fun, interactive tours led by trained gallery teachers. Free buses for public school students are available to those who sign up early. To schedule a tour, call 305.375.4073. Tours are $1 per student. Free for Title I schools.

Second Saturdays are Free for Families
Second Saturdays, May 10, 2003, 1-4 p.m.
Families of all ages explore MAM together, find inspiration to create works of art, and participate in hands-on activities. Free admission.

JAM at MAM
Third Thursdays
Every month JAM at MAM, the museum's happy hour with an artful twist, features an intriguing mix of things to do from gallery tours and book readings to poetry slams and slide JAMs. Unwind after work in a relaxed environment that includes guest DJs, a Martini Lounge, and donation bar. MAM members free; non-members free with $5 museum admission.

May 15, 5:30-8 p.m.
7:30-8 p.m. In conjunction with Visual Poetics: Art and the Word actor, director, and
playwright Natasha Tsakos will perform Stéphane Mallarmé's famous poem Un
Coup de dés (A Throw of the Dice) in French and English.

Visitors Gallery
Designed for visitors of all ages, this interactive area features reading materials, videos, writing stations, and hands-on activities intended to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of Visual Poetics. Free.

Gallery Notes
This illustrated take-home brochure provides background information on Visual Poetics. Available in the galleries. Free.

Family Activity Guide
This publication invites children and adults to take a trip into the colorful world of modern art. Filled with writing and drawing activities, questions, and fun facts. The Family Activity Guide is supported by MetLife Foundation. Available in the galleries. Free.

Sunday Tours
Sundays, 2 p.m.
Each Sunday, MAM's volunteer docents lead gallery tours of MAM's exhibitions for drop-in visitors. Free Sundays at MAM is sponsored by The Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald. Free admission.

Private Group Tours
Tuesdays- Friday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Tours of Visual Poetics, given by MAM's volunteer docents, may be arranged through MAM's education office. To make reservations, call 305.375.4073. Guided tours are free for groups of 10 or more with museum admission.

Hours
Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Third Thursdays until 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Admission
MAM members and children under 12 free, adults $5, seniors and students $2.50. Second Saturdays are Free for Families and every Sunday is free. Free Sundays at MAM is sponsored by The Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald.

Telephone
305.375.3000

Parking
The Cultural Center Garage, located at 50 NW 2nd Avenue, has six floors of secure, enclosed parking. Discounted parking when ticket is validated at MAM.

Miami Art Museum receives both private and public funding. More than 50 percent of its annual support comes from corporations, individuals, foundations and MAM members. MAM is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts; with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Mayor and the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners.

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