Art Madness is back. For the second year we’re pleased to present Art Madness, our version of March Madness for Art Lovers.
To put together our bracket, we selected some of the most beloved works of art from our collection, as well as a few lesser known gems.
It’s Old Masters versus Contemporary; Europeans versus Americans. Who will be a bracket buster? Who will come from behind and be the Cinderella of Art Madness? Who will be crowned the Art Madness Champion? It’s all up to you!
Here’s how to play along. During the run of Art Madness, we will post a new Match of the Day on our Facebook page. Vote on Facebook by liking your favorite from the Art Madness Match of the Day, or in person in our lobby (in person votes are worth double!). The artwork with the most votes/likes by the next day will advance on to the next round.
Want to predict the winners and keep track of the matches? Download the Art Madness Bracket.
SCOUTING REPORT ON THE 2013 ART MADNESS TEAMS
 Morning Sun by Edward Hopper This standout from our American collection is back from the Grand Palais in Paris and the blockbuster Edward Hopper retrospective, which beat even Picasso in attendance figures. Our highly requested Hopper is back home in our newly reinstalled American galleries, and is considered the number one seed in this year’s competition. |
 The Breakfast by Edgar Degas This work by master draftsman and Impressionist Degas was the 2012 Art Madness Champion. Here Degas explores with intensity and pleasure the potential of pastel for spontaneous, sensuous expression. Will this Degas masterpiece from our renowned Sirak Collection take home the championship again? |
 Christian Bruce, Countess of Devon by Anthony van Dyck This work by premier British painter Anthony van Dyck remains true to the roots of portrait painting during the time of Charles I of England. Will van Dyck’s aristocratic painting rise above the competition? |
 Ancestral by Theodoros Stamos Stamos was part of the Abstact Expressionist group known as the Irascibles, which included such heavy hitters as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, and other hard-driving artists who really made their mark on the art world. This mutable piece by Stamos is included in our big Mark Rothko exhibition, now on view. |
 Aucassin and Nicolette by Charles Demuth This modernized idea of love by Demuth is based on a French love story and fable. Here Demuth uses the clean lines of the smokestacks in his anthropomorphic telling of the tale. Will Demuth’s clever, modern take on love prevail? |
 Landscape at Fehmarn with Nudes by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner In this sensuous painting by German Expressionist Kirchner, you get the sense that the people and nature are one. Kirchner’s work at first may seem primitive and loose, but there is a definite game plan going on here. |
 Still Life with Lobster by Carstian Luyckx Dutch still life painter Luyckx depicts a neverending feast for the eyes here. Just like a clever team that can adjust its game, every time you look at this still life, you seem something you didn’t see before. |
 Woman at Window by William Baziotes Baziotes was also part of the Abstract Expressionist group known as the Irascibles, and this piece from our permanent collection is included in the coda to our currently on view Mark Rothko exhibition. Will Baziotes’ power riff on Picasso rule the day? |
 Portrait of a Young Woman by Mary Cassatt American Impressionist Cassatt was the only American ever invited to participate in the groundbreaking French Impressionist exhibitions in Paris. She represented her conference well with pieces such as this striking pastel, a nod to the techniques of her mentor Degas. |
 Christine Lerolle Embroidering by Pierre-Auguste Renoir Impressionist giant Renoir fuses Impressionist techniques with that of the Old Masters in this work from our renowned Sirak collection. Analysis: knows how to mix-it up in the paint. |
 Christ Triumphant Over Sin and Death by Peter Paul Rubens and Studio Rubens is one of the most important painters of all-time and with this powerful, positive painting of a heroic Christ figure he proves why he’s one of the top seeds. |
 Adam and Eve by Edgar Tolson. Modern-day folk artist Tolson remains true to the craft with this depiction of Adam and Eve in his “Fall of Man” series. The Appalachian folk artist gained much acclaim for his work, including a “tournament invite” to the Whitney Biennial. |
 Sylvan Lake, SD3 from the series Lakes and Reservoirs * by Matthew Brandt Los Angeles-based photographer Brandt (whose work will be part of a solo exhibition at CMA later this year) is known for experimenting with unusual materials such as Cheez Whiz and Kool-Aid. In this new CMA acquisition, Brandt uses lake water to soak the Chromogenic print. |
 Venus Wounded by Diomedes, is Saved by Iris by Joseph-Marie Vien French painter Vien coined the French neoclassical style. This dramatic work by Vien is likely to deliver in the clutch. Will this piece by Vien be the Cinderella story of Art Madness? |
 Cornfield and Harvest by George Bellows Columbus’ Bellows, an OSU athlete and one of the preeminent artists of the Ashcan School, was known for depicting action scenes, but here he shows his softer side and Midwest roots. Like his Ohio State alma mater he’s likely to go far in the tournament. Homecourt advantage: Bellows. |
 Sunflowers in Windstorm by Emile Nolde One of the most recognizable and loved pieces from our Sirak Collection holds one of the top seeds. Something about Nazi oppression brought out the best in Nolde. His passion and tenacity, as symbolized here, make his work hard to beat. |
(*Matthew Brandt image from the series Lakes and Reservoirs Sylvan Lake, SD 3, 2012, Chromogenic print soaked in Sylvan Lake water, Unique. © Matthew Brandt, Courtesy Yossi Milo Gallery, New York)
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