backstory: The dress
Last week I mentioned that the Neuberger will host two of the big events during the College’s upcoming Alumni Weekend. Many of the artists, performers, and scholars returning for their 50th anniversary got their start in the Museum, which was the first building completed on the new campus.
When I saw a trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2 the other day (starring Purchase alumnus Stanley Tucci ’82, by the way), the focus on fashion reminded me of the dress dilemma I had before the Museum’s recent 50th anniversary celebration.
I tried on more gold dresses than I care to admit before narrowing it down to seven. Too formal. Not formal enough. Too subtle. Too shiny. What was the right choice for that occasion?
That was the dilemma.
As I walked through the galleries this week, I found myself thinking about how exhibitions come together.
There’s intention behind it.
A willingness to try, adjust, reconsider, and try again.
Like getting dressed.
Sometimes it takes more than one pass in front of the mirror to get it right.
Tracy Fitzpatrick
Director, Neuberger Museum of Art
