Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Contrasts

 I like the seam between the exhibition of French paintings and sculptures and the main part of the Wadsworth Atheneum, but some might think it is jarring.  The exhibition is in a series of decorous galleries painted a somber light blue.  But, looking through the door to the galleries' entrance, we see another dazzling Sol Lewitt mural, the formal marble bust of an esteemed citizen whose name and sculptor I was not able to find, and elaborate railings.  The Lewitt mural is Wall Drawing #1131, Whirls and Twirls (2004).


22 comments:

Cezar and Léia said...

This last composition is spectacular, I like a lot the balcony details and that lamp!
The wall color is an interesting contrast, but...
I guess I'm in a romantic mood today!
Léia

SRQ said...

'Whirls and Twirls' -- perfect title. It's rather eye catching from afar, particularly when compared to the blue wall. But, I can see how some people would think it was a bit jarring (especially early in the a.m.).

Dianne said...

Whirls and twirls it most certainly is Jack ....perhaps a bit of shock value between Galleries.

Lowell said...

I thought the guy looking at the painting was you but then I realized he was about a foot too short. Then when I saw your last picture in this series, I thought, "Well, at least Jack got a bust of himself in the museum." Hint: I could tell by the hair or lack thereof! Heh, heh!

Gardenbug said...

I wonder what 19th century folk would think of Sol Lewitt! I like the man in the first photo.

Malyss said...

I like those contrasts, each piece of art gives strength to the other!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

J'adore the vibrant contrasts in these images Jack, very cool composition on both.

LOLfromPasa said...

Wow that mural certainly woke me up. Makes for a great backdrop behind the sculpture. All put together beautifully.

Sharon said...

That is an amazing contrast and I like it.

Stefan Jansson said...

Some quality photos in this post Jack.

Sylvia K said...

I, too, love the contrast, Jack! Great captures for the day! Beautiful gallery!

Halcyon said...

This museum has a great artistic director! I love the mix of modern and antiquities. Did you ask the guy in the first shot to pose for you? It's an excellent photo, I can't say exactly why but it really appeals to me.

Jack said...

Thanks, Halcyon. A curator was giving a private tour to major donors or perhaps directors from other museums. They were studying many of the works intensely. I had the usual internal debate about taking photos of people and decided that taking this one from behind would be anonymous enough not to have to ask permission.

EG CameraGirl said...

Well, it is interesting that these exhibits are in adjoining rooms. I must admit.

Randy said...

Great shock of color.

Bob Crowe said...

I don't find it distracting. It illustrates the flow of Western art tradition. Love the Lewitt. It's got strong similarities to Frank Stella's Protractor paintings.

Mo said...

It certainly leaps out at you

Unknown said...

I love the contrast! Great compositions, Jack, especially the last one.

VP said...

I have to admit that I like the contrast!

jennyfreckles said...

That's a bold choice for a classical building. I'm still thinking about it...

Valerie said...

Isn't it interesting what our eyes are drawn to? Mine were rivetted on the exquisite stone carving/moulding and the balustrade!

Unknown said...

Works for me! I love this sort of mix of styles.