Merce Cunningham Dies

[Warren Stupidity]

Source: NYT

Merce Cunningham, a giant figure in the world of modern dance, died Sunday night at his home. He was 90. The Merce Cunningham Dance Foundation and his company made the announcement early Monday morning. A full obituary by Alastair Macaulay, the chief dance critic of The New York Times, is coming soon.

Read more: http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/27/merce-cunningham-dies/

[saltpoint]

1. RIP, Merce Cunningham.

One of the great, great artists.

[Gormy Cuss]

2. A good long life.

I remember seeing him dance -- just wonderful.

[harmonicon]

3. oh, fucking hell - this sucks

I suspect that many around here don't know about this man, but he was one of the most important figures in the art of the 20th century. He wasn't just the most radical figure in dance, but also a major influence on other art forms, especially experimental music. What a tremendous loss.

[frazzled]

4. Farewell, sweet prince

He was a great force in postwar modernism. I hope he and John Cage will reunite.

For your viewing pleasure, Cage and Cunningham, back in the day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLOWy3ys8Ag

[Bluenorthwest]

5. A global treasure

An amazing dancer. An artist among artists.

[GReedDiamond]

6. I saw Merce and company perform "Walkaround Time"...

...at the "Apropos of Marcel Duchamp" Centenary Exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1987.

This 1987 performance included the original Duchamp "Large Glass" inspired sets, constructed under the supervision of Jasper Johns in 1968 for the premiere performance, which was attended by Duchamp, and who died later that year.

Here's the flyer I have from the 1987 performance:



He was one of the greats, no doubt about that. RIP, Merce.

[xchrom]

7. i saw him dance with his comapny in the early 70's.

he was breaking boundaries then simply by not even being young and still dancing with discipline.

his body was amazing -- the performance -- beautiful -- his very small company highly skilled.

May Peace be with his family and friends.

[Paladin]

8. RIP To A Great Talent. (n/t)

[Politicub]

9. RIP Merce Cunningham