2 posts tagged “art”
Trip to g-nan's house today. High and textured clouds, punctuated by bursts of sunlight. G-nan's place isn't especially prepped for the boys. Lots of things to break within two feet of the ground. Heirlooms and such. Paintings painted by the great-grandmother's mother's aunt. It's a high stress zone for parents.
The Japanese screen was just hung. It's as I remember it from her old house in San Francisco. Comforting but alien. Jack liked the butterflies. We planted a daphne and a rhodedendron. Back to the house for quiet time. (Adult downtime.)
Yesterday, the Seattle Art Museum opened the doors on the new Olympic Sculpture Park. The family and I missed the warmth and sweet, beautiful sun of opening day and, instead, ventured out today in the cold and gray. Until today, my thoughts on the park were purely speculatory. After today, my park sentiments fall into three main categories:
In the years since this park was originally envisioned, I have heard and read the Gates/Shirley/Wright trifecta recite the stated purpose of the park on multiple occaisions. Paraphrased: "The OSP will create a space where art, life, and nature are intertwined, with the effect that Art - art in general, art with a big 'A' - becomes demystified." Fine. Great. But. One. Problem. To wit, sniffy little "do not touch the art" signs totally eviscerate the goal of demytifying art. This rule is true without exception. Though such signs are frequently warranted (You, in the back! Please quit picking at the Pollock!) it is the pinnacle of Fatheaded Curator Syndrome to think that Wake is such a case.
- Preserving [and enhancing] open space - especially that rare open space in major urban centers - is heroic; we're damn fortunate for the generosity of SAM (and donors).
- The current collection, though it contains some truly stellar pieces, needs an injection of new blood almost immediately. Preference should be given to contemporary rule breakers and pace setters. Double bonus if they're local. (Bill Viola should be granted honorary local status.)
- Richard Serra's "Wake" is for touching. And not just for touching. It's for groping and licking and lounging.
In the years since this park was originally envisioned, I have heard and read the Gates/Shirley/Wright trifecta recite the stated purpose of the park on multiple occaisions. Paraphrased: "The OSP will create a space where art, life, and nature are intertwined, with the effect that Art - art in general, art with a big 'A' - becomes demystified." Fine. Great. But. One. Problem. To wit, sniffy little "do not touch the art" signs totally eviscerate the goal of demytifying art. This rule is true without exception. Though such signs are frequently warranted (You, in the back! Please quit picking at the Pollock!) it is the pinnacle of Fatheaded Curator Syndrome to think that Wake is such a case.
