Vancouver Art Gallery

I had the great experience of visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada. Upon walking in the atmosphere was great. The staff was wonderful considering it was fairly early on new years day. They were willing to answer questions and give suggestions of what to defiantly see based on interests. The main point of interest to my visit was the visiting exhibition WACK! WACK! is a collection of feminist art during the feminist revolution primarily during the 60s and 70s. While there were also pieces from earlier and more contemporary as well. I really enjoyed the show and it offered quite a variety from painting to instillation and interactive art. 

The gallery also had a Jeff Wall show up as he is a Vancouver native, and also the photographer responsible for the light box display. There was also a show of landscape paintings along with probably my favorite exhibit of the day the Kai Althoff works on the top floor. Not knowing much about this German based artist I immediately fell in love with his work. There was such a range of sculpture, paintings --which his is mostly known for--along with his instillation and performing art works. I loved them all. He is defiantly an artist to keep an eye on and remember for years to come. 

im sorry

For the lack of posts! I was with my family in Canada for the holiday's and did not have access to a computer. I am back now so expect posts more frequently. I'll hopefully have something up later today about the Vancouver Art Gallery which had quite a few wonderful exhibits up while I was there. 

American Beauty

This is by digital 3-d artist Henrich Kimerling. I unfortunately could not find to much information about the artist. All I do know is that is by a contemporary, and it has been done within the last year. I think it's an interesting commentary about society and what has become normal, while it still shows some ideal images. The slender ankles of the women, she also has little blemishes, she is however over weight. It's an interesting juxtaposition, maybe there is nothing wrong with her size, but the things she is putting into her body would be harmful. What are the consequences besides weight-gain on the human body? 

Raft of the Medusa

This particular painting came up in conversation today after a discussion on ships getting lost at sea, and the epic novels that usually follow. I was reminded of the sublime nature of this painting and now terrifying the thought of being lost in the middle of the ocean would be. The thoughts that would consume a person would just be horrific and provoking. I find this painting by French artist Theodore Gericault to be the epitome of Romantic Paintings. The painting is beautiful but it still gives you that sense of terror, the combination of the perfect sublime image. What are your thoughts on the subject matter? If you could give it a back story what would you want to tell? I'll post another entry about the actual history later but I would love some feedback. What else would you like to know about this painting? 

The High Museum, Atlanta GA

I just recently went to the High Museum in Atlanta GA. They had quite a decent display of 18-20th century art from America and Europe. They also had pieces on loan from the Louvre in many different sections of the museum, most notable was the exhibit of Medieval to Renaissance art that included a sculpture by Donatello along with the journals of Leonardo. The museum was also featuring the findings of the Qin Dynasty Terraccotta Army. They're are hundreds of these solders only a few were brought to Atlanta, they are still amazing to see. There are different faces on quite a few of them making them highly individualized. I had a hard time from the displays to figure out why they had been made, I would have liked to have spent more time watching the documentary they had on them playing, but the museum was getting close to closing time so myself and the friends I was with had to book it through quite a few. For now here is an image of some of the Terracotta Army. 

Christo and Jean-Claude

The works of Christo and Jean-Claude are temporary installation art that are meant to get people talking. They range from metal works to textiles. Most of the work the artists do take hundreds of people which brings more then just the two of them into the involvement of the work. It's taking the idea of the old world masters studios with apprentences to the everyday people that want to work on the projects. Their latest project that is in the drafted drawings above is a textile work of sheer fabric that will be drapped over the Arkansus River in Colorado. It will not block the river but simply create a canopy of fabric to go over the entire river. The work while some see it as blocking out the sun is really making people more aware of what is above them. What do you think of the concept? The idea of being able to wrap something like a package makes its transportatble, sendable, what does this make you think about the river? About nature? Are we taking nature along for our ride purhaps? Thoughts on the new installation and old ones are appreshiated.

Les Demoiselles African Roots

Before the creation of cubism Picasso painted this image. The five women while being noted as ladies of the night, specifically from the Red Light district in Avignon, have obstructions over two of their faces. It has also been noted that before Picasso began work on this piece he saw an exhibit of African Tribal Artworks that were on tour in France. I think the idea of covering up the faces of society that some might be ashamed of its quite interesting. What are the women looking at? Are you the viewer the caller to these women of the night, how does that make you feel? What do you think Picasso is looking to achieve?