Clyfford Still Museum Delves into Conflicting Emotions in Guest-Curated Exhibit “Held Impermanence”

Katherine Simóne Reynolds’s exhibition, Held Impermanence, invites audiences to explore the complex interplay of desires that coexist in tension, drawing heavily from the collections at the Clyfford Still Museum. The exhibition showcases Still’s ambitious effort to preserve his entire oeuvre, allowing viewers to engage with his celebrated masterpieces alongside works that reveal the pain of transition and the marks of time.

As art evolves, its materials often exhibit what conservators term “inherent vice.” Visitors encounter paintings that bear the need for rest, showcasing marks that evoke metaphors of wounds and organic matter through their textures and conditions. Reynolds encourages viewers to reflect on their own perspectives towards healing, bodily responses to artwork, and to reassess Still’s legacy with an awareness of mortality and the innate desire to embrace impermanence.

In curating this show, Reynolds intentionally selected several works facing conservation challenges to underscore the significance of care in preserving Still’s artistry. She has also displayed select works on paper behind protective curtains to minimize their exposure to light in the museum’s skylit galleries. This feature allows visitors an intimate moment to engage with the artworks. Additionally, the exhibition includes archival photographs, letters, notes, and objects that reinforce its central themes and emotions. Held Impermanence will be on display until September 14, 2025.

Reynolds, an artist, scholar, and curator, explores the emotional landscapes and cultural geography of Blackness within the Black Midwestern experience. Her artistic practice translates feelings and experiences into diverse forms including photography, film, choreography, sculpture, and writing.

The Clyfford Still Museum, located in Denver, Colorado, is dedicated to showcasing Still’s work, housing around 3,125 pieces that represent 93% of his lifetime output. The museum offers a world-class collection, recognized architecture, interdisciplinary programs, and opportunities for creative exploration.

For more information, visit clyffordstillmuseum.org.