#25 - Visit the New Part of the Nelson
October 12, 2008
Joel and I visited the new part of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on our six-year anniversary. We had our first date at the Nelson eight years ago so this was a great way to spend our anniversary.
While it is architecturally beautiful inside, I must say that I am one of those people that thinks the outside of it looks odd. It doesn't seem to "fit" with the older portion. Also, I prefer what is inside in the older part much more than the galleries in the new part.
It should be noted that when it comes to art, I am like George Costanza:
"I don't get art. I always have to have it explained to me, then I need someone to explain the explanation."
That's me. I know if I like or do not like something, but I don't know why. And I don't know why I am "supposed" to like or appreciate certain pieces. In general, I do not care for modern art. It is just not my cup of tea. I prefer the classics. The one exception is photography. I love photos. My father-in-law takes beautiful photos and I love looking at them. My largest piece of artwork in my home is a photograph of a young woman dancing under a bridge.
A good friend of mine, Paul, also takes great photos. He gave me one as a gift. It sits in my office because I like to look at it when I need to be "calmed." I'm not even sure what the photo is of - it looks like an electical box and some piping, but I'm not sure. It is black and white and has great texture to it. And, when I just glance at it, it looks like there is a smiley face in it. I adore it.
We walked through every portion of the new part of the Nelson. I did really like Central Savings by Richard Estes. Of course, this is a photorealistic painting, so it is not surprising that I was drawn to it. But again, in general, I was not a fan of most of the stuff. I am not someone who is moved by Jackson Pollack. I may sound ignorant, but I just don't get the paint-splatter thing.
At the risk of suffering the wrath of art-lovers, I have to say I hate, hate, hate Mark Rothko's Untitled No. 11. It makes me insane! It used to hang on the third floor of the Nelson. It is a large black rectangle. That's it. I cannot stand it and it just pisses me off that it probably costs more than my house. I took my photo with it (I love that my camera has a "museum" setting and that I can use it!) and you can tell what I think just by looking at my face. Shelly doesn't call me "Poker-Face Tina" for nothing.
My favorite gallery was the photography section. I loved the daguerreotypes. I found them fascinating, especially Captain Harry Love and the California Rangers 1853. Go look at it and read the story.
I also really liked Untitled (Snowy Valley) by Gregory Crewdson. The girl in it looking into the house where her grandmother is sitting . . . it's just beautiful. I did not care for Fox Games. It annoyed me. I wasn't sure what the point of the red foxes were, even after reading the placard.
My favorite part of our visit was when, while looking at the photo, Waiting for Survivors of the Andrea Doria Sinking, my hubby turned to me and said, "It eased into the water like an old man into a nice warm bath." I adore him.
