Wednesday, May 15, 2013

cultural fix


I love Washington, DC.  As a matter of fact it took a trip to Paris, France for me to appreciate what I have right under my nose,  about 45 minutes away.  For my birthday I spent the day doing one of the things I love as much as being creative and designing, and that is going to an art gallery. My son and I concentrated on the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art, a fantastic fortress that we often leave to last and rush through.  This time I wanted to savor every room and all it has to offer.

Here is the space between the National Gallery and the East Wing, a version of the glass triangles designed by I. M. Pei that replicate the larger sculpture at the Louvre in Paris.

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At first glance the building looks a bit sterile, but once you learn about the triangles that I.M. Pei incorporates inside and out, you appreciate his design and his commitment to " no compromises"in the difficult marble construction.

We had fun playing amidst the sharp glass triangles.




Here is the spectacular lobby

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and the Alexander Calder mobiles that float over our heads.


Some favorites of mine were this abstract by the artist Moholy-Nagy


and my favorite fun oil by Marsden Hartley.


The days highlight was the Albrecht Durer exhibit, the greatest German artist of the Renaissance. Here is a large grisaille of one of his works. We are seeing more wall murals and enlarged photos in decor these days aren't we? I'd love this one in a room.


Michael and I really appreciated Durer's anatomical acumen and his figurative studies as precursors to his masterful detailed engravings. 

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The current "When Art Danced with Music" exhibit is a tribute to the Ballets Russes 1909-1929, and the artists who contributed to costume design for the ballet.  It was beautiful. 


Did you know the Washington Monument is currently encased in scaffolding from top to bottom due to  repairs from earthquake damage in August 2011? It's been closed all this time to the public.
It was startling to see the metallized obelisk-Washington, DC has 'braces'! It is due to open this June.


Thanks for indulging me. I know there are those that aren't so crazy about art gallery tours, but it's who I am!!!
Have a great day.


12 comments:

  1. I love these "tours". I have not been to the East wing in years or any of the museums for that matter.

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  2. Well you know that I love them!! I had rather spend time in an art gallery than shop! Crazy, huh?
    Thank you for sharing these gorgeous pieces of art.
    Happy Wednesday.
    Teresa
    coco

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  3. I am due for a trip to DC. Thanks for the lovely reminder how beautiful it is.

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  4. Oh I love this tour ... I have never been in this gallery ... and it does so replicate parts of the Louvre! Thank you for sharing! xo

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  5. Very cool. It's fun to see all the Calder mobiles in one place. I love his work.

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  6. I haven't been back to DC in too long. It really is a great city!

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  7. I love DC too!!! Been there only ONCE, and I really have to go back. I've never been to that museums, only on the Mall and other touristy spots, would love to revel in all the wonderful art there. Thanks for the tour. I'm glad you did what you love most on your birthday, you are just beaming with joy! You look radiant Nancy!

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  8. I love the designer's take on this architecture! Absolutely Gorgeous! I need to hit a museum... need more culture in my life!

    xx
    Holly Foxen Wells
    GlamourMash

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  9. Thanks for this beautiful tour Nancy! DC is the one city I haven't seen. I know I am really missing out....maybe one day. How lucky you are to be so close and how fun to spend the day with your son :)

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  10. You are so lucky to live so close to such amazing museums! Love DC museums.

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