More Thoughts on Thornton Dial

I have had an opportunity to view the exhibit, Hard Truths—The Art of Thornton Dial. Last week I attended a docent-led tour of the exhibit along with about 10 others individuals. I have been eagerly anticipating the viewing the art work of Mr. Dial for some time. I was not disappointed. This exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of Art contains 70 of Dial’s large-scale paintings.

This show mostly contains Dial's large work, assemblages, but also includes water colorings and drawings. Some of his assemblages cover most of the walls and are very stunning. A few of the assemblages are free-standing and filled with a lot of symbolism. I found Dial’s work to be exciting, emotional and inspirational. It is hard to view this show without feeling something.

The exhibit provides lots of detailed information about each of the pieces of art work. I think a lot of Thornton Dial’s work speaks for itself. I found the materials (found objects) included in these assemblages fascinating. Dial spent some time as a metalworker. The pieces of metal sculpture, wires, and fences I thought were especially appealing. I have seen work by other contemporary artists that use found objects. I don’t believe any match the creativity that is reflected in Dial’s work.

I think I will view the show again on my own before it leaves. This exhibition will be at the IMA until September 18. The show will then go to New Orleans, Charlotte, N.C. and Atlanta.


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Thornton Dial American Artist

A new exhibit recently opened at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Hard Truths: The Art of Thornton Dial. I have already purchased the exhibition catalog. I couldn’t wait. Now I am eager to see Mr. Dial’s art work up close. I will be viewing the exhibit with a curator in the next few weeks. Along with all the excitement this show brings, there is also controversy. It seems that some critics are having a difficult time defining the work of this Black American contemporary artist from the South. Race and politics are often involved in the discussions of Thornton Dial’s work. There are some critics who will not include him in the “fine” art world but want to define Thornton Dial’s work as “folk-art” or “self-taught art”.

From what I have read, Mr. Dial’s work mostly includes significant social and cultural concerns. The work is exciting and inspiring. Like many other contemporary artists today he makes good use of found objects. One of my favorite pieces of art work by Thornton Dial is “Who Got the Corn?” Like most of his work, this piece is large. It is a canvas on wood covered with wire, found metal, and chicken wire. This work has been spray painted in shades of yellow.

I’m looking forward to learning more about Thornton Dial, American artist, and viewing the exhibition. I'm not sure that I care how the critics define his work. I do believe that most viewers will be moved by Thornton Dial's extraordinary art.


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Reasons To Collect

I like many others like to collect things. I became a collector without really knowing what I was doing. As a young child, I would find objects that I liked, like rocks and keep them in a very special place in my bedroom. Years later, I would look at this “collection” and decide it wasn’t worth keeping. I now know a little bit more about collecting today. I now collect books and many other things.

I began wondering why most of us collect. I visit auctions regularly and am always surprised to discover that people will collect a variety of things. Many of the items I find at auctions seem unusual for a collection. Collecting is personal. What is important to some individuals, may not be important to others. Although many items appear to be unusual and strange, there are always potential buyers
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Here are a few of the reasons I believe most of us collect:

• We are driven to collect
• We find great pleasure in collecting
• We develop a true sense of ownership that only exist if there is a collection
• We love to surround ourselves with things that are meaningful to us

As my living quarters shrink due to my growing collections, I remind myself that these are the things that make me happy.

If you are interested in good art books, vintage art magazines and local history books, visit my online store, Nella’s Books and Collectibles.



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A New Way of Seeing Art

It was recently announced that there will be new way to view art on the internet. Google has developed a project involving a virtual museum that allows online viewers to see thousands of works of art. Viewing art work via the internet is not new. Many art institutions have had their own websites for some time. What I believe makes this new announcement different is that entire galleries are to be available for view. This new endeavor will also allow the work to be viewed up close.

Most of the art museums involved so far in the new project are European. I think only time will tell if this is a successful venture. I have enjoyed viewing art work and educational videos provided by art museums and galleries on the internet. ArtBabble.org is the revolutionary site devoted exclusively to showing art-based digital videos. Indianapolis Museum of Art launched ArtBabble.org in 2009. The partner list continues to grow and includes some very noteworthy institutions.

A virtual museum? I’m not sure why we need one. I don’t believe there is anything that can replace an actual visit to a museum. What this new project will hopefully accomplish is to inspire art lovers to visit the museums to see the real thing.

Discover the Art of Reading at Nella’s Books and Collectibles. You will find a great selection of art books, art catalogs and magazine back issues.

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Lessons in Black Art

I had an opportunity to visit my local art museum yesterday. The museum celebrated Martin Luther King Day with many special exhibits and activities. Among the activities I enjoyed the most were the film presentations on 2 African American artists.

The two movies were Jacob Lawrence: An Intimate Portrait and Mr. Dial Has Something to Say. The two films were very well done and were just long enough to hold interest. I thought the presentations were like attending a lecture in black history that included African American Art.

Jacob Lawrence has been a favorite of mind for many years. I did find out some new information about Lawrence. I have just recently discovered the unique and captivating work of Thornton Dial. Dial a self-taught African-American artist, began creating art later in life. His work consists of paintings and found-object sculptures and large assemblages. His mixed media assemblages in my opinion are his best work. There will be an exhibition of Thornton Dial’s work next month and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about this artist and view some of his work up close.

You can find a nice selection of art books and catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.


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Great Art Magazines

What makes an art magazine great? I recently read a few comments in the news from individuals that claim what the world needs today is a great art magazine. I happen to like today's art magazines. I subscribe to 2 and read as many as I can get my hands on. I have also had an opportunity to view art magazines that were published over 50 years ago.

The older magazine publishers I believe were focused on presenting the new and different ideas in the world of art. Often there would be articles about artists who were new and not yet discovered. A lot of instruction was also included in a few of the art magazines years ago. I believe what makes an art magazine great is good ideas, good writing and of course spectacular illustrations.

Today’s art magazines are somewhat different than what was published several years ago due to necessity. There are many venues for art today that were not available let’s say during the Second World War. The internet also dictates to some extent was is viable for an art magazine today. Most paper copies of magazines are small and getting smaller. My favorite old magazines are the large ones (9.25 x 12.25 inches) with a full color image on the cover.

You can find a great selection of recent and vintage art magazines at my online book store, Nella’s Books and Collectibles.


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Fashion As Art

I find it interesting to read about the history of fashion and the first designers. Taking a look at the history of fashion design one might begin in the 1840s with the first grand couturiers.

WORTH
Charles Frederick Worth was the first to put his signature on clothes and used his ideas of feminine beauty to influence the beauty of women. Worth was also the first person to apply an artist’s standards to the design and construction of a dress.

POIRET
Paul Poiret, known for his simplistic designs, was one of the first to use bold prints for not only cushions, curtains, wall coverings but articles of clothing. He was also known for the exotic style and he also experimented with Oriental themes.

LAVIN
Lavin is one of the oldest fashion houses in Paris. It is believed that Jeanne Lavin’s sense of color and pattern evolved from an admiration of artists Vuillard, Renoir and Fantin-Latour. Lavin is credited to being the first designer to dress whole families. She designed children’s clothing and hats and opened a men’s division.

The look of fashion changed dramatically in the 60’s. We all wanted to look young and the fashion designers answered the call. After the death of Christian Dior a new couture was established. The pioneer for this new movement was Rudi Gernreich. Gernreich and his peers experimented with materials not usually associated with fashion.

If you would like to read more about fashion as art you can find art books, art catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.


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