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Seattle Art Museum Pays Homage to Grunge God Kurt Cobain

Where: 1300 First Ave [map], Seattle, WA, United States, 98101
May 20, 2010 at 10:15 AM | by | Comments (0)

Kurt Cobain at MTV’s Live & Loud, Seattle, WA, December 13, 1993, by Alice Wheeler

It smells like teen spirit at the Seattle Art Museum. The museum recently opened "Kurt," an exhibit that honors the godfather of grunge music, Kurt Cobain. But you won't see band tees or guitar picks that the singer-guitarist actually used. Instead, you'll find works from artists who were influenced by the former Nirvana frontman.

Although it's been 16 years since Cobain's death, his life and musical legacy continue to inspire artists of all kinds, not just musicians. There are more than 80 pieces on display at SAM in every medium, from sculpture to video. And most of the date from 1994 onward.

Charles Peterson captures Cobain's ascent into stardom in photos from Nirvana concerts. Alice Wheeler also goes the documentary-photography route with iconic images of the musician. Banks Violette offers a dark installation of sculpture, framed graphite drawings and a wall drawing that looks at the mythology behind the singer. Scott Fife uses cardboard, glue and screws to create a bust of Cobain that looks exactly like him, down to the stringy long locks.

Most museums discourage cell phone use on the premises, but the SAM wants you to bring your cell to the exhibit. You can use it for a cell phone tour of "Kurt," in which you'll hear the artists discuss their work as well as commentary from others who were affected by Cobain, including curators and radio personalities. The cell phone tour is free, though you'll have to use your own minutes. Or BYO iPod and download a podcast here.

"Kurt" runs through Sept. 6. Admission is $15.

Related Stories:
· Jaunted's Guide to Chicago's Indie Pitchfork Music Festival [Jaunted]
· Come as You Are for the Alexis Hotel's Kurt Cobain-Inspired Package [HotelChatter]
· Music Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Alice Wheeler/Seattle Art Museum]

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