Discovering Picasso

I just read about a large number of Picasso paintings recently being discovered. I believe they total 271 in all. From what is currently known about the collection, the work seems to be authentic. Of course, the experts will have to examine the work and make the final decision.

This could be a major discovery because a Picasso anything is worth a great deal. This is exciting news for the art world. The discovery provides an opportunity like no other to learn more about Picasso. This will undoubtedly provide a lot of fuel for the art historians and biographers. Many writers love to uncover something new and different about a famous individual--especially one who has been written about so much.

Over the years there have been numerous books written about the artist known as the “King of Modern Art”. I will patiently wait to see what comes of this new discovery. It will be interesting to see if there is more to learn about this great artist whose work is so biographical.

You can find books on Picasso and other artists at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

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Dazzled by Jewelry

I have recently taken a special interest in jewelry. I have a modest collection and have always loved viewing jewelry at museum exhibitions. I find the Egyptian jewelry shows particularly fascinating.

Jewelry making has been around since Stone Age. Although I have always had a fondness for jewelry , I have just recently viewed jewelry as decorative art.

Jewelry has been defined as a precious material used to adorn oneself. Jewelry making has been around since the Stone Age. It has been said that man created jewelry before he talked. The art and craft of jewelry seems to be more popular than ever.


A few weeks ago I attended an exhibition, Read My Pins, that featured a collection of pins owned by Madeleine Albright. Although most of the collection could not be considered fine art, many revealed a history and important pieces with symbolic value. The show included an extensive collection of jewelry.

My interest in jewelry making has gradually progressed. I am currently taking a class in metalsmithing that introduces you to the basics of line, shape, texture, rhythm, movement of precious and base metals.

Making jewelry has become a passion. As a reader, I love to read about my latest interests. I have discovered that there is a multitude of reference material on jewelry making. You can find an abundance of both historical and technical information on the metalworking. I have discovered my greatest source for creativity is the work of the great artists of the past. Auction catalogs frequently provide inspiration.

If you are looking for inspiration or just want to just view a fascinating art work, check out the art books and catalogs at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.


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Sculpture Inspiration

It seems that sculptures are very populary right now. I know that several museums and galleries are showing installations that are created by sculptors. The magazine, Art in America focused on sculptures in last month’s issue. Included was a review of some of the work of new modern sculptors as well as those who are influencing today’s work. This started me thinking about all the different kinds of sculptures and what inspires the artists.

I not certain I know what inspires sculptors. I think, however, it started long ago with Michelangelo, the supreme sculptor. Michelangelo felt that the sculptor was godlike. Michelangelo, unlike many of his time he created his work from one block. His most famous “Pieta” reveals the genius in his work. It has been said that Michelangelo was insprired by Leonardo Da Vinci.

There have been many great sculptors since Michelangelo. Matisse known for his great paintings also created sculptures. Matisse’s colossal bronze sculptural work just recently sold at an auction. The 6 foot bronze relief “ Back IV” sold for over 48 million dollars.

I’m quite certain that a lot of things inspire the sculptors today. But I believe many will forever be influenced by the past.


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Looking At Warhol

The Andy Warhol Enterprises exhibition has finally arrived at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. I have had the opportunity to view the show on my own but have not had an opportunity to go through it with a curator. I must admit, I was more impressed that I thought I would be. I was surprised to learn that Warhol’s work included fashion, design, music, television and film

The focus of this show is the Andy Warhol Enterprises, Inc., which was formed in 1957 in connection with his career as a commercial artists. I grew up with viewing many of the Warhol images. A lot of his work was somewhat familiar. This particular exhibition is large and includes several pieces of work that were new to me. I would have to say the silk screens portraits have to be my favorite. Warhol created hundreds of portraits in the 1970s and 80s. I especially like Andy’s self-portraits.

There are currently many of exhibits of Andy Warhol’s work in the country. I am proud to say that the exhibition at the IMA is spectacular. The exhibit is large and takes some time to really take it all in. The exhibit will be around at the museum until the first of the year. I am looking forward to viewing again the work of one of the most widely known artist in America. The next time may be with a tour guide.


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Atget - Focusing on the Mundane

I have always been fascinated by photography and photographers. I recently read a book on Eugene Atget. Atget was considered by some Surrealists as a forefather. Atget is actually considered by many to be the father of modern photography.

Atget who considered himself a chronicler of Paris took some of the most breath taking photographs ever recorded. He took thousands of photographs on the streets of Paris. He spent most of his life photographing the architecture and streets scenes. His photos were straight foreword and not manipulated.
He took thousands of photographs but was never recognized during his life time for his great work.

Although his work focused on the commonplace images, there was something extraordinary and magical in his work. The photograph, Ragpicker, depicts the Parisian street seen that was probably very common in 19th century. Atget did not consider his work artistic but no one can look at the photograph and not be moved. It has been said that Atget had remarkable vision. The clarity and detail in his photographs reflect his genius.

You can find a book on Atget and other photographers as well as a great selection of art books at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

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The Unconventional

I had an opportunity last week to view a new contemporary art installation at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. I was not prepared for this visually exciting piece of work. It looked like a giant colorful loom extended from the ceiling. Artists Benjamin Ball and Gaston Nogues who work with unconventional materials have set up a large-scale installation,Gravity’s Loom, at the main entrance to the museum.

I entered the museum early Saturday morning and this was my very first opportunity to get a glimpse of the new installation. It was a cloudy day and the sun had not made it’s appearance for the day. The glass walls that surround the pavillion allow a great deal of light into the main pavilion. The colored strings of this exhibit seem to be more saturated due to the lighting.

Because it was my first visit, I am not certain what effect the bright sunlight would have on this art work. I have been told, however, that the view is magnificent at night. I think I will make several trips to catch a glimpse of this unusual piece of art work at various times of the day. As I continue my journey to learn more about contemporary art, I am finding more things to admire and appreciate.


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A True Patron of the Arts

I have often wondered how great museums and art galleries are created. I know that here in American wealthy families would collect artwork and they would subsequently build museums to display their collections. In the early years, however, the system of patronage usually excluded American artists. Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, a unique patron of the arts, played a major role in the advancement of American art.

Mrs. Whitney dared to be original in an era where art needed to be aesthetically acceptable. American art was ignored by many wealthy individuals who preferred artwork purchased from Europe. She had a passion for art and supported exhibitions of work by American artists of all backgrounds.

The Whitney Museum began when Mrs. Whitney opened the Whitney Studio in 1914 and allowed work to be submitted as long as it was sincere. This included American contemporary art. In 1918 the Whitney Studio Club was created and in 1928 The Whitney Studio Galleries. By this time Mrs. Whitney’s had acquired a huge collection. She offered to donate her twentieth-century American art to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum declined her offer so she created her own museum. The Whitney Museum of American Art opened in 1931.

Mrs. Whitney was a risk taker, a true patron of the arts who searched for quality in American Art. Because she stood by her beliefs, today we can still enjoy wonderful and unique works of art at the first institution devoted to American art, the Whitney Museum.


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