Joan Jonas: Good Night Good Morning | MoMA
Joan Jonas (American, born 1936) still from “Double Lunar Dogs”, 1984. Video (color, sound) 24 min. Purchase
Written by: Aundréa Verdi
The Museum of Modern Art’s expansive exhibition, "Joan Jonas: Good Night Good Morning," on view through July 6th, presents one of contemporary art’s most dynamic and influential figures. Joan Jonas' retrospective, spanning over five decades of creativity, reveals layers of innovation, introspection, and cultural commentary that have left an indelible mark on the art world.
Jonas’s visionary approach to art is palpable from the start. The exhibition begins with "Wind," a 16mm film that sets the stage for the thematic elements presented throughout the exhibition. In this black and white film, we see shadow-like figures performing in the windy atmosphere as their fabrics billow in the aggressive breeze. In this piece, viewers are gleaned into the artist’s interests in performance art and her early explorations of the intersection between technology and art.
Gianfranco Gorgoni (Italian, 1941 – 2019)
“Joan Jonas, Delay Delay performance view, Lower West Side, New York” 1972. Digital print (printed 2024) 10 × 15" (25.4 × 38.1 cm). Photograph © Gianfranco Gorgoni
Joan Jonas (American, born 1936) (left) “Mirror Dress” 1969–2024. (right) “Hoop used in Delay Delay and Songdelay”. c. 1972. Metal Approx. 6’ (180 cm) diameter.
Courtesy the artist and Gladstone Gallery
As the retrospective unfolds, visitors are guided through a chronicle of Jonas’s evolution as an artist, from her pioneering performances of the late 1960s to her more recent forays into ecological discourse. Each piece not only demonstrates Jonas's knack for merging disparate mediums, from video to installation to performance, into a cohesive narrative that transcends traditional artistic boundaries but also illuminates her versatility which is a key component to her artistic progress.
Joan Jonas (American, born 1936) “Joan Jonas, Mirror Piece I performance view, Bard College,
Annandale-on-Hudson, New York” 1969. Digital print (printed 2024). 9 3/4 × 15" (24.8 × 38.1 cm)
Courtesy the artist and Gladstone Gallery
Expanding upon her thoughts on identity comes Jonas’s “Mirror Piece” works, where performers wield mirrors as both props and metaphors, reflecting not only their surroundings but also the audience’s own sense of individuality. These early works not only lay the groundwork for Jonas’s ongoing analysis of the self and its relationship to the world—but also underscores the profound impact of her art on the viewer's perception.
Joan Jonas (American, born 1936) “Mirage”, 1976/1994/2005. Six videos (black and white, sound and silent; duration variable), props, stages, and photographs. Dimensions variable. Gift of Richard J. Massey, Clarissa Alcock Bronfman, Agnes Gund, and Committee on Media Funds
Jonas’s ability to adapt her work to different mediums and contexts is notable when considering her oeuvre. Pieces like "Mirage," which has been recreated many times, undergo multiple iterations, each reimagining adds new tiers of meaning and complexity. Here, Jonas’s process becomes as much a part of the artwork as the finished product, inviting viewers to witness her ideas materialize in real time.
Jonas’s role as an educator is highlighted by a selection of teaching notes and student collaborations showcasing her commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. It reminds us that Jonas’s influence extends beyond the walls of the museum, permeating academic circles and shaping the future of art.
Joan Jonas (American, born 1936) “By a Thread in the Wind” 2014. Bamboo, paper, string. Dimensions variable
Courtesy the artist and Gladstone Gallery. Photo: Jonathan Dorado
Jonas’s recent interest in ecological themes arises as the exhibition draws to a close. These works offer reflections on the precarious state of our planet, serving as a call to action amidst the looming specter of environmental crisis. However, perhaps the most striking aspect of the exhibition is its forward-looking nature. Two new works, “Touch Sound” and “By a Thread in the Wind,” provide insight into Jonas’s continued relevance and innovation as an artist.
Joan Jonas (American, born 1936) “Reanimation” 2010/2012/2013.
Four videos (color, sound and silent) on custom screens within a prefabricated house structure, two custom benches (made by Ed Gavagan), and crystal sculpture; two wooden theater boxes with video
(color, sound and silent); fifteen ink drawings on paper; three oil stick
drawings on paper, and two china marker wall drawings. Photo: Jonathan Dorado
"Joan Jonas: Good Night Good Morning" is a celebration of one artist’s enduring legacy and her ongoing exploration of the human condition through contemporary art. By delving into Jonas’s rich body of work, viewers are challenged to contemplate the ever-evolving role of art in reflecting and shaping our world. Through her visionary approach and commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, Joan Jonas continues to inspire and provoke.
