The Art of Aspen this Winter

27 Nov 2024

Nestled high in the majestic Rocky Mountains, Aspen, Colorado is a haven for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural enrichment. This winter, the town’s art scene invites visitors to experience a series of powerful exhibitions that celebrate innovative talent and provoke thoughtful reflection.

Installation view, Lena Henke: ‘You and Your Vim', Aspen Art Musuem.
Installation view, Lena Henke: ‘You and Your Vim', Aspen Art Musuem.

The Aspen Art Museum’s Winter season offers a diverse array of exhibitions, beginning with Shuang Li: I’m Not (Nov 20, 2024 – Mar 2, 2025), the artist’s first institutional solo show. Li presents new sculptural works and immersive video installations that delve into themes of identity and perception. Just above, Heji Shin: America: Part One (Nov 20, 2024 – Mar 2, 2025) offers a fresh perspective on American identity through newly commissioned photographs, capturing the contrast between the urban pulse of New York City and the quiet expanse of the Catskill Mountains.

Meanwhile, Ugo Rondinone: The Rainbow Body (Dec 12, 2024 – Mar 30, 2025) transforms the museum into a vivid explosion of colour and sensory experience, inviting visitors on a journey of spiritual and physical transformation through multi-sensory installations. For a quieter, more contemplative experience, Megan Marrin: Austerity (Dec 12, 2024 – Feb 23, 2025) showcases minimalist paintings and sculptures that evoke stillness and introspection, offering a pause from the bustle of daily life.

To make the most of your visit, we recommend timing your trip with lunch at the museum’s bright, airy rooftop café, where you can enjoy both delicious food and breathtaking mountain views. Take your time to enjoy the exhibition Lena Henke: You and your vim which crowns the rooftop and includes a towering and striking bronze statue of a woman inspired by the drawing by French illustrator and author Tomi Ungerer.

Just 15 minutes outside of Aspen, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center is well worth the trip. Renowned for its blend of world-class facilities, artist residencies, and immersive educational programs, the center offers a serene setting in the heart of the Aspen Valley, perfect for artistic exploration and community connection. Currently on view is Last Eagle / Last Gun: Modern Recordings of Ancient Blackfoot Symbolism (Nov 18, 2024 – Jan 24, 2025), where Blackfeet artist Terrance Guardipee masterfully fuses centuries-old cultural traditions with contemporary artistic techniques. Don’t miss the chance to check their calendar for artist talks and hands-on workshops—these events often align with exhibitions and provide a unique opportunity to engage directly with the artists.

Across town at the Baldwin Gallery, Erwin Wurm: Neuroses (Dec 27, 2024 - Feb 9, 2025) brings a lighthearted twist to contemporary sculpture. Wurm’s playful approach invites viewers to laugh while reconsidering the absurdity of everyday life, offering a fresh take on what it means to engage with the world around us.