HERE
An in-depth look at Edvard Munch’s artistic techniques
See 70 works by renowned Norwegian-artist Edvard Munch at the Harvard Art Museums through July 27, in a new exhibition that shares recent discoveries about the artist’s materials and his highly unconventional methods. “Edvard Munch: Technically Speaking” showcases works mostly culled from the Harvard Art Museums’ collections, plus two paintings and eight examples of the artist’s printmaking materials — seven of which have never been shown in the United States — on loan from the Munch Museum in Oslo. The exhibition examines the artist’s innovative techniques and the recurring themes in his paintings, woodcuts, lithographs, etchings, and combination prints — particularly the psychological themes of isolation, separation, anxiety, illness, and death, as well as attraction and love. It traces Munch’s handling and depiction of “Two Human Beings (The Lonely Ones)” over more than 40 years in both printmaking and painting. It also includes four prints from “The Kiss” series (an etching and three woodcuts); a rare example of “Melancholy II,” which Munch printed himself with his small hand-crank press; and four variations of “Vampire II,” which show how Munch sometimes combined lithographs with hand coloring and also used woodblocks to add color. A table in the exhibition displays samples of handmade and machine-made paper and textiles similar to materials favored by Munch, and a “mimic Munch” activity allows visitors to layer plastic sheets to make their own version of “Vampire II.” Co-curator Peter Murphy holds a seminar on Edvard Munch and German Expressionism April 18 at 11 a.m. (reservations required), while staff and scholars occasionally lead gallery tours and talks (see website for more info). Museum admission is free. www.harvardartmuseums.org
THERE
New museum honors the sizzling world of BBQ
The self-proclaimed “world’s first museum dedicated to barbecue” opens in Kansas City, Mo., on April 12, giving visitors a chance to learn about the different types and regions of barbecue nationwide. Step through the entrance at the new Museum of BBQ, which resembles the oversize door of a Southern Pride smoker, and enter the passionate world of barbecue. The museum’s first five installations — Meat, Rub, Wood and Fire, Smoke, and Sauce — have interactive exhibits and activities to show visitors how meat becomes barbecue. Here, you can learn how to identify butcher cuts as you assemble a pig puzzle in the Meat room, play a spice-guessing game in the Rub room, and learn all about the types of smokers and wood in the Wood and Fire room. Then learn about regional barbecue variations in installations that cover the history, culture, and barbecue style found in the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas, and Kansas City. Stop in the gift shop on the way out to stock up on barbecue sauces, rubs, snacks, and tools (from meat claws to burger presses). Then go out for a bite to eat — the city has more than 100 barbecue restaurants. Admission is free for 3 and under, $12.36 (including taxes) for ages 4 and older. https://museumofbbq.co
EVERYWHERE
Boating wear for wet conditions
It’s the season to get back on the water for boating adventures, but changeable weather conditions can make for challenging spring outings. Patagonia’s super-durable Big Water Foul Weather Kit can keep you dry and protected during even the gnarliest weather, but packs down small so you can tuck it into a nook in your boat when you don’t need it. The jacket and bibs combo were created from a collaboration between Patagonia and Hawaii’s Polynesian Voyaging Society, meaning they’re built for open-water adventures. They’re also made with 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials, including recycled fishing nets, and have high-visibility patches in key spots. The adjustable bibs have reinforced abrasion-resistant material in the seat and knee areas, Velcro straps at the bottom of each leg make for a tight fit around your ankles or boots, and there are two zippered pockets on the upper bib (one with a key clip). The jacket has a stowable hood (that’s cinchable around the visor area), a high collar with a microfleece liner and an offset zipper to protect your face from chafing, and slightly tapered arms with internal wrist gaskets to keep out water. It also has two micro-fleece-lined handwarmer pockets (make sure you close the protective flap when not using pockets so the pockets don’t get wet) and two zippered chest pockets. Cinch an internal sleeve at the bottom-inside area of the jacket for a more secure fit and to help block out wind and water. Jacket $650, bibs $550. www.patagonia.com
KARI BODNARCHUK
Kari Bodnarchuk can be reached at travelwriter@karib.us.
