MARY BLAIR’S WONDERLAND: Imagining Disney’s Alice
This exhibition will include many of Mary Blair’s most iconic concept paintings for the 1951 Walt Disney Studios motion picture “Alice in Wonderland,” curated from The Hilbert Collection’s rich animation holdings. Blair (1911-1978) was a renowned artist and designer who gained fame for her distinctive and influential contributions to the world of animation and illustration. She is best known for her work with Disney, where her vibrant use of color, whimsical style and bold, modernist approach set her apart and made her work instantly recognizable. Her contributions had a significant impact on the visual aesthetics of Disney films of the mid-20th century, and her design for the theme park ride “It’s a Small World” is still enjoyed by tens of thousands of Disney fans every year. In addition to Blair’s “Alice” concept art, this exhibition will also feature original “Alice in Wonderland” art by other Disney illustrators, created for picture books, record albums and advertising.
- Mary Platt, Director