So remember a week or so ago when I visited the Cooper Hewitt Museum? Well just a block or so away a sign caught my eye…Self: Portraits of Artists in Their Absence. Hmm…interesting…so once again I found myself in this amazing mansion from the early 1900’s.
From self-portraiture in the 15th century…to the selfie today…it was all part of the exhibition at the National Academy (part museum/part school) in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. This exhibit explored the relationship artists have with their own image and the evolution over the past 200 years. Well the National Academy didn’t have to look far to find a collection…it’s been collecting its own since 1825. Seems each associate of the Academy is required to donate a portrait of themselves. So today it boasts one of the largest collections of American painting, sculpture and works on paper in the country. The exhibit variety was excellent…photography, paintings, sculptures, printmaking, mixed media, and video…and creativity? Oh my yes.
And speaking of creativity…since I’m still in the process of my impressionist photography class…when I came across this wonderful wooden self-sculpture…well…I just had to play a little! Wonder what the artist would think if he saw this?
Moving throughout the three floors…
it was the stairwell that intrigued me so and where I spent most of my time.
I ❤️ round windows…
Looks like the students made this their own personal area!
One of the best quotes I found written on the wall…
Sing with all the voices of the mountain…paint with all the colors of the wind!
Isn’t that a song?
So after all that…I continued to make my way back home and found myself surrounded with way too many hot dog vendors in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. So I thought the circus atmosphere was a place to use a little impressionist magic on all that craziness. On a side note..that’s what I love about Museum Mile…within just a few blocks along Fifth Avenue you have access to eight museums!
And as I made my way across Central Park…I just had to take a peek to see how the cherry blossoms were coming along…and sure enough they were only a day or so away from exploding!
But a week later and there’s no doubt…spring has sprung here in my city!
You certainly did create an interesting shot Frissy with that wooden self-sculpture. To me it looks like the man’s head is exploding from the inside out! YIKES!! The circus magic shot is perfect for combining all those hot dogs and bright light colors… excellent! But, OMG, take my breath way, with that stunning photo of the cherry blossoms… WOW!!! Thanks so much for sharing. XoXo
LOL! Yes, a major head explosion! Yes, those cherry blossoms…they do take your breath away…and I so look forward to them every spring!! Thank you!!! xoxo
Very neat shots! So, did YOU have anything to add to the writings on the wall?
XOXO
Thanks Lisa! No…the stairwell is watched carefully by a guard, ha ha! xoxo
I can see you going crazy right now, Robin, anywhere you go within your city. If it’s there, you will see it. And yes, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom here as well. All the student graffiti is just fabulous, isn’t it. Oh, and I spied the water tower through that round window…one of my most favorite NYC icons!
I always think of you when I look up at those amazing structures!! Thanks so much…I can’t even image the combination of all those tulips with cherry blossoms in your country!!
The city looks amazing with the blossom all over it!
Loved the stairs and its stories, and most of all the little window, just there… witness of the city’s stories…
xoxo
Thanks sweetie!! Wonderful memory of being under those trees having a picnic with you and Ivan! xoxo
So beautiful – love the staircase, but the blossoms even more!
Oh me too! Thanks Katrin!!
FANtastic!
Thank you Elena! Happy Spring!
Love the round window, too, and the stairwell is crazy good! Looks like you are having a most wonderful time there in the city surrounded by art, blooming beauty and hot dog stands.
It’s absolutely an amazing time to be in the city during spring! Bloom everywhere and everyone is out and about…especially coming off of such a horrific cold and snowy winter! Thank you!!
Robin, It seems even the small amount of caffeine in decaffeinated iced tea will keep me awake – and so I am so grateful to have this time in the quiet of the night to catch up on reading your blog. I spent my day strolling along through local art galleries, and your blog post on your museum finds is a perfect end to my perfect day, soaking up inspiration. Your impressionistic work brings movement and yet softness to the harsh edges – intriguing. I laughed at the vision of you in the stairwell as I often spend lots of time in the same spot. And the view of the cherry blossoms is breathtaking. So fleeting . . . we really need these pictures. I love the variety here!
Must be great to be in your city in spring! New beginnings and new adventures. Love the sculpture and am love the staircase with the wonderful quote(s).
Enjoy!