Paul Thek at the Carnegie Museum of Art

Paul Thek, Dust, 1988

Went to a lecture by Paul McCarthy and then viewed Paul Thek's retrospective, "Diver" at the Carnegie Museum of Art. I have to say my favorite part of the exhibition is the room that is a recreation of Thek's final show. Thek knew he was about to die from an AIDS related illness, and it is  incredible how he portrays his emotions and mindset. The room is replete with references to death and is sad, calm, and contemplative. Words like "dust" and "the face of God" (with an image of a clock) speak about Thek's complex relationship with religion. The paintings are hung low to the floor and are a predominantly turquoise hue. It was surprisingly moving and poignant. Apparently, at the time of his death, the exhibition was not a popular one.