MOMA

I got to spend the day today with a friend/former & future client at the Museum of Modern Art. Daniel Leal and I met there for lunch, then we spend the afternoon touring one of the most impressive museums in the world. Johns, Matisse, Monet, Warhol (his Campbell's Soup Cans from 1962 above), Picasso, van Gogh, Dali, Giacometti, Cezanne (Dan shown checking out The Bather, at right) -- all in one place.

It's funny because I took a lot of photos, but the MOMA site does an awesome job of featuring the works -- and includes information about each. I will give some highlights however, and share those that were my personal faves...

Repose -- Pablo Picasso (left) -- I've never been the world's biggest Picasso fan. In fact, you probably wouldn't be able to find me at a Picasso Fan Convention. However, I've seen enough of his work around the world to know fundamentally that he's a Master. Perhaps I'm saying that now because this one gripped me today. It's richness of color and language of ease spoke to me. She said, 'Relax, Todd. Everything is going to be alright.'

Dance (I) -- Henri Matisse -- made me think of my dear friend Meagan. Always does. I hope you're well, dear friend!

Colors for a Large Wall -- Ellsworth Kelly -- "That's SO Trading Spaces." Daniel Leal, 6.9.06

The Empire of Light, II -- Rene Magritte (photo, mine) -- After touring the complete 5th floor, this is the work that I labeled as my favorite. Yes, it is simple, but the juxtaposition of night and day here are striking to me. We live in a world -- and even the world within our own individual selves -- that can be dark and bleak even in the full light of day or surrounded by what should be "joy". The lamp post to me symbolizes the hope that's real even when it's dark on the inside too.

Still Life #30 -- Tom Wesselman -- I took a close up of this one for my dear friend Danelle. Gotta love that slab of meat!

I'm not sure of the title of this one (at right), but we found it in the special exhibit, Against the Grain: Contemporary Art from the Edward R. Broida Collection. The seven stone tablets around the room were etched with words of positivity and encouragement: Faith, Love, Truth, etc. In italics, however, were etched the seven deadly sins. I really liked Faith/Lust -- such a powerful antithesis and/or complement depending on how you look at it!

All in all, a great way to spend the day -- at an awesome museum, with an awesome friend (and modern art fan!), and with the need to have another adventure! That's three birds folks. And yes, just one stone.

Happy Friday to all!