Tim Burton unveils his macabre artwork at MoMA

Filmmaker Tim Burton, pictured, got the art-world seal of approval last night when he appeared at New York's Museum of Modern Art to help launch a career retrospective featuring his drawings, paintings, puppets and, of course, his films.

The show of Burton's works, which runs at MoMA from Nov. 22 to April 26, is one of the most eagerly anticipated exhibitions of the season. Last evening's gala offered a first look at some of the artwork on display, much of which has never been exhibited in public before. (And yes, we have photos of some of that work.)

Joining the goth auteur at the museum was actress (and mother of his children) Helena Bonham Carter, frequent collaborator Johnny Depp, composer Danny Elfman and actor Danny DeVito. (MoMA breathlessly tweeted their arrivals at the party.)

According to the museum, the show features artwork generated during the conception and production of Burton's  films, as well as pieces from unrealized projects. Also on display are Burton's student art, his early non-professional films and work for non-film endeavors. (It's not clear whether the exhibition includes work from Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," which opens in 2010.)

Art purists may scoff that the whole exhibition is a publicity ploy unbecoming of a major cultural institution. Whatever your opinion, Burton's appeal is almost guaranteed to bring in fans who might never before have considered stepping foot inside a museum. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

As for the artwork itself, it is of course dark and weird in the way that only Burton can do dark and weird.

-- David Ng

Photos, from top: Tim Burton poses with some of his artwork at MoMA in New York. Credit: Jemal Countess / Getty Images.  An entranceway at MoMA's Tim Burton retrospective. Credit: Michael Loccisano / Getty Images. All other photos: artwork featured in MoMA's Tim Burton retrospective. Credit: Jemal Countess / Getty Images

Comments

[mlm]

It's better than a motorcycle show or a collection from a stoner film actor. Museums really have become very integrated into our celebrity culture. Next expect a major exhibit by a supermodel.

[MrNiceGuy]

Freak show.

[Max]

Art purists? Oh, you probably mean people that want art at museums. Yep, that's me.

[MrClean]

Freaks and Geeks. Good show.

[Wolfy]

nice hairdo, mr. burton.

any relation to phil spector?

[KalleBean]

im neither freak nor geek... just a fan of burton's highly imaginative, slightly dark artistic ways. I look forward to the exhibition.

[Patrick]

Face it, cinema is the supreme art form of our day. The onus is on the skeptics to explain why these fantastic paintings, sketches and sculptures don't belong in a museum show.

[Fidel Martinez]

It looks really cool.It's better than listening to AC/DC

[Terrry B.]

There is a cat pillow named Carnegie that has a website www.carnegie-rocks.com that has a lot of cool pix from the Tim Burton show.

[Michelle]

Just because it may not be your cup of tea doesn't mean it isn't art. I myself am a big fan and am wondering if anyone knows if he might also have an exhibit in LA at some point?

[Susan theGoth]

What *she* said!....L.A.?...anyone??

[zerox]

thx

[sam smith]

This looks awesome. Tim Burton has a very unique style and in my opinion an amazing one at that. I hope this comes to London one day I would gladdly pay a visit. Just for the Batman mask alone.....

[Kamiah G]

He truly is a fascinating and brilliant artist.

[rachellecat]

Tim Burton needs to decorate my house! I hope to all that is Jack Skellington that this exhibit comes to Los Angeles! I am salivating over the scarecrow, and what kind of house would I need to buy in order to make the hallway monster NOT look out of place! Burton's mind and creativity is a beautiful thing!

[tom g]

Here's a longtime movie director who really
deserves an honorary Oscar, think of all the
eye popping work he's done over the years!
Maybe after next yr's Alice in Wonderland!

[abcdefg10]

How interesting! I'm such a fan of Tim Burton's work.

[Sergio Maclean]

Well, Many classic artists would follow on Mr Burtons's steps if they where alive now. I think it is appropriate in a museum of modern art to include an artist of his caliber. Of course, I guess if he spend his time making Cabaret Posters like certain french Icon, or portraying royal dogs a la Flemish school on commission he would be much more legit.

Lighten up people. You don't have to like him, but it is important to have modern art be a fluid and open medium that will include all people and celebrate all venues.

[Canvas101]

It looks interesting. He is definitely a brilliant artist.