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David Revere McFadden
Chief Curator at Museum of Arts & Design
Professional Background
David Revere McFadden is a highly respected figure in the field of decorative arts and design, known for his extensive career that spans decades. He began his significant journey in the art world when he joined the Museum of Arts & Design in 1997 as the Chief Curator. His tenure at MAD was marked by an innovative approach to curating, leading to the orchestration of over one hundred and fifty impactful exhibitions that celebrated the rich history of decorative arts and design. After retiring in 2013, McFadden took on the prestigious title of Chief Curator Emeritus at MAD, allowing him to continue contributing to the museum's vision while enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Prior to his influential role at MAD, McFadden served at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, part of the Smithsonian Institution, from 1978 to 1995. There, he held the position of Curator of Decorative Arts and Assistant Director for Collections and Research, which positioned him at the forefront of America's conversation about design and its place in everyday life. His dedication to the international art community is exemplified by his six-year term as President of the International Council of Museums’ Decorative Arts and Design Committee.
Education and Achievements
David Revere McFadden’s academic background laid a solid foundation for his illustrious career. He pursued both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in History of Art at the University of Minnesota, focusing specifically on the Renaissance and Baroque studies, in addition to a secondary major in Chinese history. This diverse educational background has significantly informed his curatorial work and writings, enriching the exhibitions he has spearheaded throughout his career.
Throughout his professional journey, McFadden has significantly influenced the field of decorative arts, widely recognized for his scholarly contributions. He has published over 160 books, articles, catalogues, and reviews on decorative arts and design, making significant contributions to the global discourse in this domain. His thought leadership extends to public speaking, where he has delivered over 300 lectures and papers to both national and international audiences, disseminating knowledge and sparking dialogues about the power of art and design.
His passion for promoting cultural affairs has earned him notable recognition and accolades. For example, he was honored as a Knight, First Class, of the Order of the Lion of Finland in 1984, followed by the distinction of Knight Commander of the Order of the Polar Star of Sweden by King Gustaf VI in 1988. Notably, McFadden was also named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the Republic of France in 1989, underscoring the international esteem in which he is held. Moreover, his exceptional work has been recognized with three Presidential Design Awards for Excellence, bestowed upon him in 1994, 1995, and 1997.
Notable Exhibitions
One of McFadden's key achievements has been his ability to conceive and organize thematic exhibitions that resonate with diverse audiences. Among his most celebrated works are:
- Wine: Celebration and Ceremony: This exhibition remarkably explored the cultural and artistic impact of wine across various civilizations.
- L’Art de Vivre: Decorative Arts and Design in France 1789-1989: A comprehensive survey that provided insights into the evolution of French decorative arts across two centuries.
- Scandinavian Modern 1880-1980: Marked as the first American exhibition to cover modern design from all five Nordic countries, setting a precedent for future explorations of design in a global context.
- Hair: an intriguing exploration that delved into the cultural significance of hair across different societies.
- Radical Lace and Subversive Knitting: This exhibition captured the spirit of contemporary craft by challenging traditional notions through innovative textile art.
- Pricked: Extreme Embroidery: Pushing boundaries of needlework, this exhibition highlighted the artistic potential of embroidery as an expressive medium.
- Slash: Paper Under the Knife: This exhibition boldly investigated the transformative power of paper art, showcasing its versatility through contemporary practices.
- Second Lives: Remixing the Ordinary: Through this exhibition, McFadden celebrated the creativity of reimagining everyday objects and materials.
- Dead or Alive: Nature Becomes Art: This visually stunning exhibition blurred the boundaries between art and nature, inviting viewers to reflect on their interactions with the environment.
- Swept Away: Dust, Ashes, and Dirt in Contemporary Art and Design: An examination of the often-overlooked materials that connect us back to our everyday lives and histories.
- Otherworldly: Optical Delusions and Small Realities: An exhibition that skillfully merged art with perception challenges, exploring dimensions of reality through artistic illusions.
McFadden's exhibitions have not only highlighted the aesthetic but have also encouraged discussions about the significance of decorative arts and design in cultural contexts.
Conclusion
In summation, David Revere McFadden's journey in the world of decorative arts and design has been nothing short of extraordinary. With an academic foundation steeped in the history of art and significant practical experience at renowned institutions, he has made indispensable contributions to the field. His numerous accolades and the wide-ranging impact of his exhibitions have positioned him as a luminary in the world of art and design. As Chief Curator Emeritus at MAD, McFadden continues to inspire future generations of curators, artists, and art lovers with his passion for storytelling through art, ensuring that the narratives of decorative arts remain vibrant and essential to contemporary society.
tags':['Chief Curator','Museum of Arts & Design','Curator of Decorative Arts','Cooper-Hewitt','Art History','Decorative Arts','Exhibitions','Cultural Affairs','Public Speaking','Art Publications','Design Awards','International Design','Renaissance Studies','Baroque Studies','Chinese History','Craftsmanship','Design Education','Cultural Recognition'],
questions':['How did David Revere McFadden influence the field of decorative arts throughout his career?','What were some of the most impactful exhibitions curated by David Revere McFadden?','In what ways has David Revere McFadden contributed to educational programs in art and design?','What themes did David Revere McFadden emphasize in his exhibitions at the Museum of Arts & Design?','How has David Revere McFadden’s background in history of art shaped his curatorial practices?'],
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