Maison Valentino Supports Aspen Art Museum’s Exhibition OfArch Connelly: Straighten Your Wig And Pray
Maison Valentino is pleased to support the Aspen Art Museum’s presentation of Arch Connelly: Straighten Your Wig and Pray, on view from June 12th, 2026, to October 1th1, 2026.As the first museum survey dedicated to the work of Chicago-born artist Arch Connelly, the exhibition traces the evolution of his practice from the early 1980s trough 1993, revealing an oeuvre that deftly balances fragility and exuberance, darkness and wit. A vibrant figure within New York’s East Village art scene, Connelly reimagined the visual languages of Minimalism and Pop through a distinctively camp, craft-based, and glamorous sensibility.
Drawing on extensive research across public and private collections, the exhibition brings together iconic works alongside rarely seen pieces that have remained out of public view for more than three decades, offering a renewed perspective on one of the most singular artistic voices of his generation.The collaboration between Maison Valentino and the Aspen Art Museum extends beyond the exhibition itself, encompassing its accompanying catalogue, the first comprehensive monograph dedicated to Connelly’s work – scheduled for publication in 2027, and a new archival documentary exploring the artist’s life and legacy.Rooted in a shared commitment to cultural dialogue and artistic discovery, the partnership reflects a meaningful exchange between the worlds of contemporary art and fashion. To mark the occasion, the Aspen Art Museum has curated a special installation within Valentino’s boutique on Galena Street. Featuring three original works by Arch Connelly alongside a selection of archival materials, the presentation transforms the space into an intimate extension of the museum experience, inviting visitors to encounter the artist’s work in a new and unexpected context.
Starting July 1st through the end of August, visit our Aspen boutique to discover the installation and experience the dialogue between contemporary art and fashion.
Palm at Black Ocean, 1982: Acrylic and faux pearls on canvas, 20 x 16 inches (50 x 40 cm).A striking example of Connelly’s ability to merge ornament and emotion, the work juxtaposes decorative materials with a haunting, dreamlike atmosphere, reflecting the artist’s fascination with beauty, theatricality and vulnerability.
Roberto Juarez Archie with Blue Hair: 1970s Polaroid.This intimate portrait captures the spirit of a vibrant artistic community and offers a rare glimpse into the personal relationship and creative networks that shaped Connelly’s world.
Pink Manifesto, 1980: Courtesy of the Whitney Museum.Embodying Connelly’s playful yet subversive approach to image-making, the work highlights his unique ability to infuse color, humor, and cultural commentary with unexpected emotional resonance.
