Yay! I have a great art museum nearby! {Insert celebratory dance here.} My visit to the Portland Art Museum on Wednesday was very fun and exciting, mainly for the discovery of a wonderful art museum close to home. After visiting some of the most amazing art museums in Europe, I’ve wondered what I would find when I moved back. Since I wasn’t into art before living in Italy, I hadn’t visited this museum before, despite living only 90 miles away for 11 years. I was pleasantly surprised at the size and scope of the museum. I decided to become a member so I can visit whenever we head to Portland. I already have plans to visit again in a few weeks, as there are several special exhibits going on that I didn’t have time to see on this visit.
One of the current exhibits I did see is Titian’s La Bella. This is quite exciting for the museum to host. I thought it was ironic that after seeing many of Titian’s works in Italy, this is one of the first special exhibits I find at the Portland Art Museum.
I found it a very emotional experience to walk into the European section of the museum to get to the La Bella exhibit, seeing works ranging from Gothic triptychs to Flemish still lifes, so much of what I had seen across Europe. I even wanted to linger at the numerous Madonna col Bambino paintings, just for the nostalgia. Ironic, when I would cruise through whole museums filled with paintings like these, just to get to the one or two painters I especially liked. Now I have an appreciation for these works that goes beyond art history, it’s an emotional appreciation I can’t quite describe in words.
I did get to the photography exhibition I was looking for, Through the Looking Glass: Photography’s use of Windows, Doorways and Mirrors. As a big fan of photographing windows and doors, I was looking forward to seeing this. It was compiled from the museum’s collection of photographs and it did not disappoint. One of my favorites was this work, San Juan (Home Theater) by Oscar Pintor. I would have been in heaven to come across this scene!
I also very much resonated with two Minor White photos, Water Street, Portland and Chinese Laundry. While I’m aware of his work as a groundbreaking American photographer, I don’t think I’ve seen his work in person before. I was struck by my reaction to his images.
There were many other wonderful works in this exhibition, you can view them in the online gallery here. If you are in the area be sure to stop in and see it while it’s on display, through February 28, 2012.
One of the best things about this museum… minus the special exhibitions, you can photograph in the museum. Yay! My enjoyment of an art museum is always enhanced when I can photograph and capture my personal experience with my camera. On this visit, I was drawn to the forms and play of light and shadows of the sculptures. I especially liked the shadows and light in this piece, Artifact Panel by William Morris.
All in all, a great visit and the promise of many more to come.
I just love this last image – what an amazing display and exhibit! Wishing you a new year filled with creativity and light!!!
Thank you so much Marcie, what a beautiful New Year’s wish! Happy New Year to you too.
I so love any kind of museum, but especially one where there is a photography exhibit. I love doors and windows, too, it would be glorious to see those in person. Glad you found a museum close to your home. A true gift.
That black frame just makes my little heart go putter patter. Aaron Brothers is having their BOGOR free sale and my stash is refilled. Now, how to make more wall space!
How lucky you are to have an Aaron Brothers handy! I’ll have to stop into the one in Portland the next time I’m up there. Have fun finding photos to fill those spaces!
Sounds like a lovely day! I love the shadows in the last image!
The image Artifact Panel is wonderful, it took me a while to figure out how he cast the shadows where they are (doh) I love it!
Have had a good look through the exhibition photography – some very inspiring pieces and now I’m itching to visit museaums in the new year!
An early ‘Happy New Year’ to you, I hope it will be all you want it to be!
Helen x
Happy New Year to you too Helen! I can’t wait to hear about the museums you visit.
How wonderful to find something like this within reach! I’d hate not to be able to get to a good art gallery from time to time. I’ve always loved Minor White’s work, although it’s not nearly so well known in the UK, and I love the idea of an exhibition that concentrates on doors, windows and mirrors. I’ll be having a good look at the link when I have a bit more time.
It’s so great when they let you take photos in these places; some of the London museums and galleries are very good in this respect. It really does add to your enjoyment when you can photograph too.
Ah Gilly, I am so jealous of all of the museums you have available to you in London… It is great they let you photograph there. Most of the Italian museums had a no photography policy, frustrating me to no end.
Funny I too have a Portland Museum of Art…just on the other coast. I visited this fall as part of my art appreciation class and thought “I need to come back”. This post is a gentle reminder.
How great to be able to take photos. I too would be enchanted with Through the Looking Glass. I’m glad you found some European touches to warm your memories. Don’t know of Minor White. So much to learn.
On another note, wanted to thank you for all the classes this past year. They were enormously helpful and meaningful to me. If ever in doubt “do I make a difference?” as teachers tend to wonder-yes you do. Just yesterday I revisited a fav lesson.
Happy New Year Kat-see you on the other side in 2012.
Thank you so much for this comment Susan! It is so good to hear that. Yes, I do wonder, but I am compelled to do what I do anyway. But then someone lets me know, like you did, and I see why I am compelled. Here’s to a great 2012!!