It was an easy ride to Boston from Bedlam Farm and Jon and I wondered why we don’t do it more often. After eating we walked to the Museum of Fine Art. Jon wanted to see the Jamie Wyeth exhibit and I was interested in the Goya exhibit and seeing Shinique Smith’s work. I had never heard of her, but liked the look of the pictures of her work that I saw on MFA’s website.
The Wyeth exhibit surprised me in a good way. It wasn’t what I expected, which was an emotionless realism. But the pieces in this exhibit were so expressive . Parting with realism in either subject matter or the way Wyeth used the paint. It’s actually the way he mastered paint that stuck with me most.
I was surprised again, but not in a good way, by the Goya exhibit. I thought I would like it more than I did. It was one of those times where I knew what I was looking at was important, but it just didn’t touch me. I often feel this way about Picasso, or listening to certain music. I could appreciate it from a technical and art historical point of view, but, for the most part, it didn’t move me.
But the biggest surprise was Shinique Smith’s work. I walked into that gallery and couldn’t stop smiling. ” This is genius”, I said to Jon looking at one of her giant wrapped sculptures. So simple and complex at the same time. Visually arresting and really smart. And her wall pieces were just as captivating. My mind stated to spin, I was smitten and inspired. You can see a short video of Shinique Smith talking about her work here.
Maria, if you ever make it down to PA I’d highly recommend the Brandywine Museum in Chester County, not too far from Philadelphia. It has a large permanent exhibit from all 3 Wyeths, NC, Andrew and Jamie. I like all 3 of them, for different reasons, but NC’s work always gets me because it’s such wonderful “vintage storybook” style, and Jamie’s because something you think is going to be mundane is so full of life and expression. Definitely worth a visit if you get down this way.
Will keep it in mind Karen. THanks