2015 Hall of Fame Inductee: A Tribute Mark Morris
A huge undertaking, the exhibition A Tribute to Mark Morris was one of the Museum’s most impressive! MMDG provided a wealth of information, photographs, costumes, and objects available for display. A great deal of time was spent researching and writing.
Much thought was put into establishing color scheme reflecting the ever colorful MMDG building in Brooklyn, NY as well as the colorful personality of Morris himself. Morris’s extensive choreography accomplishments were represented in the window treatments. Each of the 144 window panes showcased an image from a different piece of Morris’s work. The overall effect resembled stained glass in a place of worship and was revered by all who had the opportunity to appreciate the exhibition.
The response to this exhibition was outstanding. Morris was so impressed and pleased with the final result,
he planned an overnight trip for his entire staff to travel from Brooklyn, NY to the Museum to see the exhibition.
Additionally Morris boasted, “… and I want to thank Laura DiRado who is a genius,
and put together a very, very beautiful show” at his 2015 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
At its conclusion, Morris allowed the Museum to keep the portion of the exhibition dedicated to his production, The Hard Nut, on permanent loan. These items are currently on display in the Hall of Fame.
Mark Morris considers himself first and foremost a musician. Paramount in his life and work, music is his raison d’être, and unquestionably the reason he creates dances. His knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of music are both vast and profound, and his choreographed work consistently serves the music that inspired it. “All art,” he believes, “aspires to the condition of music.”
Morris has always considered live music essential to dance, beginning with his first choreographed works as a teenager in Seattle. In 1996, MMDG made a commitment to perform exclusively to live music with the formation of the MMDG Music Ensemble. An integral part of the company’s creative life, the Music Ensemble consists of a roster of instrumentalists and singers, in addition to a host of world-renowned guest artists. With a comprehensive repertory ranging from 17th century Baroque compositions to contemporary scores, it performs with MMDG at home and on tour, presents concerts at the Dance Center and beyond, and participates in the company’s public school outreach programs. Mark would no sooner go on the road without musicians than he would without dancers.
Lisa Miller, Studio di Luce photos
