Explore Maurice Sendak’s whimsical world at Denver Art Museum. 400+ original artworks, including Where the Wild Things Are with Bianca Schulze, founder of The Children’s Book Review.
As I step into the Denver Art Museum to preview the exhibition Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak, I’m immediately transported into a world of whimsy and wonder. A perfectly painted Wild Thing greeting visitors at the entrance catches the eye and compels me to enter—its imposing yet friendly presence sets the tone for the entire exhibit. The exhibition, opening on October 13, 2024, is a comprehensive celebration of Sendak’s 65-year career, showcasing over 400 artworks that span his incredible journey as an artist and storyteller.
One of the most striking aspects of Sendak’s illustrations is the distinctive crackle and shading, achieved through meticulous cross-hatching. This technique gives his illustrations a unique texture and depth that, when presented up close and in large-scale form right from the exhibit entry, is truly captivating. I’m also immediately drawn to and amused by the shadows of familiar characters painted in open areas, creating an immersive experience that feels like walking through the pages of Sendak’s books.
Evident in moments such as the endpapers from Sendak’s books (including Where the Wild Things Are, In the Night Kitchen, Outside Over There, and Nutshell Library) framing the wording on the walls, echoing the design of his beloved books, the exhibition is very thoughtfully curated. A life-size silhouette cutout painted in green of Max in the Land of the Wild Things is a nostalgic visual that encapsulates the magic of Sendak’s storytelling and leads directly into one of my highlights: seeing the final art for every spread from Where the Wild Things Are. It’s a rare treat to see these iconic images in their original form and possibly all together for the last time. As Lynn Caponera, Executive Director of The Maurice Sendak Foundation, chuckles, “This book really made Maurice’s life comfortable,” referring to the impact of Where the Wild Things Are on Sendak’s career.
The exhibit spaces are filled with treasure troves for visitors who come to take in everything they can. A quirky and delightful addition to the collection is a framed eyeball, a gift to Sendak from the Wild Things Thanksgiving Parade balloon that once flew high above the streets in New York City. As I continue to move through the space, I see a reading room filled with all of Sendak’s books, which provides a cozy space for visitors to immerse themselves in his stories.
Another room, devoted to Sendak’s theater set design work, catches the eye with a giant goose prop that takes up most of the space—a piece acquired by the Denver Art Museum for less money than it cost them to have it shipped. While in this space, I listen to a curator mentioning that “Mozart is a red line through Maurice’s life,” highlighting the profound influence of classical music on Sendak’s work—this connection is beautifully presented in the set designs and book illustrations on display.
Not shying away from controversy, the curators and museum staff address in person, with sensitivity and context, the “diaper gate” surrounding In the Night Kitchen (perhaps my favorite Sendak story).
As I prepare to take the final turn of the exhibit, a poignant moment comes at the very end: a large portrait photograph of Sendak taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz in 2011. Holding onto his walking cane, with his German Shepard by his side, Sendak’s somewhat serious expression seems to thank visitors for coming to see his work, serving as a fitting farewell to this extraordinary journey through his creative life.
As is a must for all special museum exhibits, the store at the exit is a treasure trove of Sendak-inspired merchandise. From plushies to hard-to-choose-from prints, it’s clear that the curators have put as much thought into this space as they have the exhibition itself. The Maurice Sendak Foundation, in collaboration with the Denver Art Museum, has expertly preserved and presented Sendak’s legacy with care and enthusiasm, ensuring future generations will continue to have access to and be inspired by his remarkable body of work.
More than just an exhibition, Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak celebrates the enduring power of storytelling and the arts. Sendak was an artist who continually reinvented himself with every project, pushing the boundaries of his craft. For anyone who loves the ‘why’ and ‘who’ behind any story, this exhibition is an absolute must-see.
Wild Things: The Art of Maurice Sendak: October 13, 2024–February 17, 2025: Buy Tickets
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