Some of the warm rooms of the new wing for Art of the Americas embrace and usher the visitor into a 19th century display of art as it was, at that time, displayed. The rooms provide an early example of multitasking...after all, with so much to see, how does one see just one thing at a time?
On the above wall, it took a while to discover the central painting was by Bierstadt's Storm in the Mountains...which could be a riff on the Rocky Mountain landscapes he captured on canvas so well. But how to focus? You have to take your time.
And if you take your time you can discover all kinds of puns and juxtapositions in placement. For example, I was examining a wall of paintings while noting the sculpture in the room and then realized the contemporary scene was being captured in a frame directly opposite. Two visitors to the museum viewing the same sculpture from a somewhat different angle.
But, then, that is one of the qualities of art, the ability to surprise. On my way to the museum, I passed by the monumental open space that frames the First Church of Christ, Scientist. Public space...one of the great gifts that an institution or a city can give to the people...an openness that lifts the spirit after a time in the dark canyons made by streets and skyscrapers.
A poster noted an exhibit of sculptures placed around the portal of the church...I made a trek to see what was being shown...checking the various sites, finding nothing too striking. And, then, I happened to look up (am not sure what made me do so) and there on the bare limbs of the trees were
huge boulders.
The idea of boulders in trees was so unexpected....after laughing and examining the trees with a broad smile on my face, I searched for a "title" for this work, finally finding a small plaque which described the work as having "handmade boulders." Quite huge. Quite realistic. Such fun!
Nice to find artists (and curators) who can make us laugh.
Location:Boston
