Five New San Diego Museum Exhibits

With the New Year come many resolutions; to get in shape, to save money, and to spend more time with family. Come January, in between hitting the gym and visiting Mom, we recommend challenging your mind and embracing local arts and entertainment. Visiting a San Diego museum is one of the best ways to seek culture and look at the world from a new perspective, without leaving the city, and 2012 will be brimming with fresh exhibits.

To inspire your intellectual adventures, we compiled a list of the top five must-see museum exhibits of 2012, coming soon to the San Diego Natural History Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and Museum of Photographic Arts, among other local institutions. From treasures uncovered in the depths of the Titanic shipwreck to intricate Japanese kimonos unlike any we have seen, there is sure to be an exhibit that will speak to your soul.

Discover five new San Diego museum exhibits.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at San Diego Natural History Museum

For the very first time in San Diego, nearly 200 haunting artifacts retrieved from the scene of the wreckage will be showcased in this intriguing exhibit. This exhibition will commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Titanic, a beautiful ship that ended in an unforgettable tragedy that occurred on April 15, 1912. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about many aspects of this catastrophe, from the construction and launching of the ship to the sinking and rescue efforts. This exhibition will be open for viewing on February 10, 2012.

TEN THOUSAND WAVES at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

In a storytelling sequence, TEN THOUSAND WAVES links together the past and present of China’s rich and elaborate history through the use of a 9 screen video installation. This remarkable art was shot on location in China and features Maggie Cheung, Zhao Tao, Yang Fudong, as well as poetry by Wang Ping. This eloquent exhibition by Isaac Julien, revered British installation artist and filmmaker, will be available for viewing at the downtown museum on February 25, 2012. (pictured)

Dyeing Elegance at San Diego Museum of Art

The works of Kuboko Takaku, an artist known for his breathtaking wearable art and studied perfection of the ancient Japanese wax resist dying technique, will be showcased outside of Japan for the first time on February 18, 2012. Kuboko’s daughter Hisako is, to-date, one of the most sought-after artists of this technique, and her work will also be showcased. This exhibit will display 71 obi, kimono and textile paintings from museum and private collections, and will introduce visitors to the art of kimono dressing.

Unusual Suspects: Painted Photographs by Holly Roberts at Museum of Photographic Arts

Holly Roberts is known for her new approaches and expression of photography. Roberts tests our perception of the photography medium in an innovative matter, by infusing original photographs with painting and collage. In this exhibition, available for viewing starting February 4, 2012, original photographs are used to create visual stories complete with animals and figures. The small scale of many of her pieces allow for a more personal connection and invite viewers to observe the details that are immersed in the photographs.

THE POINT OF VIEW: William Glen Crooks at Oceanside Museum of Art

Over 80 works by William Glen Crooks will be showcased at this exhibition, open for viewing on December 11, 2011. This San Diego artist is attuned to nature and atmosphere, which clearly shows in his landscape art. Whether using pencil, oil or watercolor, Crooks has an uncanny ability to capture a fresh side of his surroundings.  While Crooks has been featured in 31 solo exhibitions and 36 group exhibitions, this will be his very first museum exhibition. For those wishing to gain an inside view, a Walk and Talk with Crooks is offered on February 11th at 2pm.

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