Is the Kandinsky retrospective any good?
How am I going to explain how great this exhibit is without sounding like a pretentious jerk? Art exhibit reviews almost always leave me cold. They're awful things to read. Art is subjective and open to personal interpretation. Reading some "expert" from the Times spew his opinion strikes me as a waste of time.
Having said that, I have to be honest and report that the media is right about the Kandinsky show at the Guggenheim. It's a blockbuster and it knocked me flat on my ass. Way better than the lame-ass Monet water lilies exhibit currently at MoMA. I walked in knowing just a little bit about Kandinsky and walked out a big fan. His work is far more eclectic than I thought it was.
I took two artists with me; Artiste Florenza and Sister #2. Both attended prestigious art institutions. Do you know what I did? I laid back a few steps and listened to the two of them discuss the work. It was an education. I came across this beauty and thought it was an interesting composition.
Then I heard Sister #2 remark, "That's a nice profile." I was standing right in front of the damn thing and never saw it! Always bring someone smarter than you.
Part of the exhibit is a healthy selection of works on paper that are just as strong as the works on canvas. It's like two exhibits in one. I had no idea just how great this guy was.
It's not a question of if I'll return for another visit but, rather, how many times I can get there before it closes. If you're in town between now and January 10th, you should make a point to go. It's fantastic.
Take a look at these two Eurotrash visitors I found outside the museum. He's wearing one of those expensive European pinstripe business suits (click to view). A few moments prior to this shot they were sucking face and slobbering over each other. Then, Pink Tie's phone rang and he stopped to take a call. I'm no expert at reading body language, but I'd say she feels a bit put out by the coitus interruptus.
Here's a link to view over two dozen works on exhibit.
Having said that, I have to be honest and report that the media is right about the Kandinsky show at the Guggenheim. It's a blockbuster and it knocked me flat on my ass. Way better than the lame-ass Monet water lilies exhibit currently at MoMA. I walked in knowing just a little bit about Kandinsky and walked out a big fan. His work is far more eclectic than I thought it was.
I took two artists with me; Artiste Florenza and Sister #2. Both attended prestigious art institutions. Do you know what I did? I laid back a few steps and listened to the two of them discuss the work. It was an education. I came across this beauty and thought it was an interesting composition.
Then I heard Sister #2 remark, "That's a nice profile." I was standing right in front of the damn thing and never saw it! Always bring someone smarter than you.Part of the exhibit is a healthy selection of works on paper that are just as strong as the works on canvas. It's like two exhibits in one. I had no idea just how great this guy was.
It's not a question of if I'll return for another visit but, rather, how many times I can get there before it closes. If you're in town between now and January 10th, you should make a point to go. It's fantastic.
* * *
Take a look at these two Eurotrash visitors I found outside the museum. He's wearing one of those expensive European pinstripe business suits (click to view). A few moments prior to this shot they were sucking face and slobbering over each other. Then, Pink Tie's phone rang and he stopped to take a call. I'm no expert at reading body language, but I'd say she feels a bit put out by the coitus interruptus.
Here's a link to view over two dozen works on exhibit.
Labels: NYC: A Users Guide
posted by The Unbearable Banishment at
7:15 PM
11 Comments:
Guess I'm not all that cultured. I like paintings of trees and mountains and such.
The abstract stuff? I just don't get it.
Mind you I also think that "Dogs playing poker" is silly and I abhor any painting of Elvis in velvet.
Wow, so was she tottering around the Kandinsky exhibit in those needle heels?
To be honest, I'm not well-acquainted with Kandinsky. This makes me want to go.
Hi, I'm new here (at leaving comments, been lurking for a while).
I'm no art expert - I needed someone to start explaining Kandinsky to me before I could start to appreciate and enjoy his work. And I do, now.
But I still question visual art that needs verbal or written explanation. Although I understand that the same happened with the impressionists (inexplicably, it seems now).
Also, is "eurotrash" PC?
1) Thanks for the super artsy pics of the spiral atrium. Caught me at a really pissy time and it brightened up my day. (now that Im at it, thanks for all the pics anytime you want to send them :) )
2) How did you sneak a pic of those two without that chic shoving those stilettos in your eye?
"pink tie" is a poser... he's wearing brown shoes. BROWN SHOES with black pinstripes? he's a transplanted farm kid from oklahoma.
and Miss Pissyface? botoxed. she's much older than she first appears, and is possibly his mother's best friend from gradeschool...
P.S. I love abstract art as well (as if you can't tell by the kinds of pics I took at the Center) and after clicking the link to the exhibit, I really wish they would come to Seattle. I love the one called Painting with a White Border, Blue Segment, and Music.
Look up Marc Chagall...he's one of my favorites. Especially his work called Enchantment.
That's one of my favourite paintings ever. Ugh you're sooo incredibly lucky.
Did they have any of his old paintings there? Before it all went so moderny abstract. I think I saw them on a cruise ship and I loved them!
Rob: It's got nothing to do with being cultured! Art is subjective. You either like it or you don't. There's no right or wrong, as you comment implies.
Leah: I didn't know him that well either, but really liked it. It's just a 4 train ride away!
PG: Welcome! Eurotrash is VERY un-PC. However, since they probably took a look at my clothes and sneered, I'm going to go with the stereotype.
E: To take a clandestine pic, set your camera on high resolution, point it a little to the right of them and crop out the excess stuff in Photoshop.
Daisy: I eavesdropped on their conversation and they are definitely from Europe. I can assure you they've never been to Oklahoma.
Sid: I feel lucky. I don't take it for granted.
FGS: See supplemental post.
Yeah, you are so lucky - but I'm glad you share these great little glimpses of your luck with strangers like me. Makes me lucky too.The Kandinsky show sounds great!
Man you are good with the camera!
And yes, she looks put out.
And, HOW I HATE THOSE LOUD PINSTRIPES! I cannot stand them. They are so common here and the bug me to no end. A cross of associations: clowns and city bankers. Both not appealing.
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