Alex Da Corte's exhibition "The Whale" at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is the first museum show to focus on his relationship to painting, though it defies traditional definitions. The show features a variety of works including "puffy paintings," "slatwall paintings," and "reverse glass paintings," alongside a video where Da Corte portrays Marcel Duchamp. Curated by Alison Hearst, the exhibition also integrates some of Da Corte's works into the museum's permanent collection galleries, a first for the institution.
The exhibition matters because it offers an enlightening perspective on how contemporary painting often functions as part of a larger immersive installation rather than as a discrete object. By highlighting Da Corte's distinctive high-keyed color palette and unconventional materials, the show reflects a broader trend in museum spaces toward fully designed, atmospheric environments. It also brings coherence to Da Corte's sprawling practice and sparks comparisons with other artists, underscoring the evolving role of painting in today's art world.