Robert Motherwell at the MET

New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art will be showcasing an exhibit to mark the one hundredth anniversary of American artist Robert Motherwell’s birth.

New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art will be showcasing an exhibit to mark the one hundredth anniversary of American artist Robert Motherwell’s birth.  He founded the New York School, an art movement that included Jackson Pollack and Mark Rothko, and was a teacher, writer, scholar, and champion of fellow artists.   I have been so into art lately, and this is one collection of work that I don’t want to miss.

Robert Motherwell.  Photo via PBS.
Robert Motherwell. Photo via PBS.
Lyric Suite, 1965
Lyric Suite, 1965
The Little Spanish Prison, 1941-44
The Little Spanish Prison, 1941-44
Mexican Sketchbook Page 3, 1941
Mexican Sketchbook Page 3, 1941

Motherwell traveled through Europe and spent time in Mexico, experiences that not only influenced his art but allowed him to create lasting relationships with other artists.  He was, in fact, a crucial link between the American art world and its European contemporaries.  His work is an important part of the Abstract Expressionism movement, featuring bold brushstrokes, dynamic movement, and simple shapes.

Fishes with Red Stripe, 1952-54
Fishes with Red Stripe, 1952-54
Elegy to the Spanish Republic, 1958-61
Elegy to the Spanish Republic, 1958-61
Collage in Yellow and White, with Torn Elements, 1949
Collage in Yellow and White, with Torn Elements, 1949
Cyclops Cave, 1986
Cyclops Cave, 1986
The Blue Guitar, 1990-91
The Blue Guitar, 1990-91

Robert Motherwell’s work will be on exhibit at the MET through July 26.  To plan a visit, see the MET website.  You can also learn more about Robert Motherwell and see more examples of his paintings at The Dedalus Foundation.  His work can also be viewed in the Robert Motherwell Paintings and Collages trio of books from Yale Press.  I absolutely love this set — they make great coffee table books.

The Met Store

Museum shops seem to have some of the most unique items, things you wouldn’t normally find when out shopping.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the largest art museum in America.  Collections at the museum house some of the most significant works of art in the world, while traveling exhibitions allow visitors to view art they might not normally see in their lifetime.  The many incredible paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other artwork on display at the museum is, of course, not for sale.  You can still take home a piece of the Met after your visit, however, by shopping at the The Met Store.

Museum shops seem to have some of the most unique items, things you wouldn’t normally find when out shopping.  It’s a great place to find a souvenir from your museum visit that you will treasure and want to display in your home.  Because many items in the Met Store relate to the works of art in the museum, you will most likely be able to treat yourself to something that reminds you of a favorite exhibit.  You may find the perfect accessory for your home, a well done reproduction of a piece of art, or even some hand crafted jewelry from the far corners of the world.

Cote dIvoire Cuff
Cote d’Ivoire Geometric Bracelet, based on ceremonial beads made by the Baule or Lagoon peoples.
Parrot Figure based on a brass Indian sculpture.
Parrot Figure based on a brass Indian sculpture.
Footed Bowl, reproduced from an item in the Egyptian Collection.
Footed Bowl, reproduced from an item in the Egyptian Collection.
Reproduction of Woman Bathing by Jane Poupelet
Reproduction of Woman Bathing by Jane Poupelet
Peacock Notecards
Peacock Notecards

The Met Store is also a great place to find really nice coffee table books, for yourself or to give as gifts.  Books with everything from Japanese art to Baroque tapestries and African reliquary to the Dutch masters are available here.  I like the idea of staking a few interesting books on the coffee table, especially when the books contain such rich imagery along with a wealth of knowledge.  Something like this is a great keepsake from a visit to the Met.

50 Architects You Should Know
50 Architects You Should Know
Regarding Warhol:  Sixty Artists, Fifty Years
Regarding Warhol: Sixty Artists, Fifty Years
Photography:  The Groundbreaking Moments
Photography: The Groundbreaking Moments
Art:  Over 2500 Works from Cave to Contemporary
Art: Over 2500 Works from Cave to Contemporary
New York in Photographs, Print Portfolio
New York in Photographs, Print Portfolio

The Met Store also has plenty to offer the children in your life.  Whether you’re looking for a memorable item to take home after touring the museum or shopping for a gift, this is a good place to start.  Choose an item that reflects a child’s interests or lets him or her explore something new.  The Met Store has gifts for kids that encourage creativity and hands-on learning.  For the budding artist or future archeologist, a gift from a museum is a sure way to continue the learning experience long after leaving the Met.

Fun with Hieroglyphs:  Many kids are fascinated by ancient Egyptian writing.
Fun with Hieroglyphs: Many kids are fascinated by ancient Egyptian writing.
Monet Art Supply Kit, a wonderful way to be creative.
Monet Art Supply Kit, a wonderful way to be creative.
Egyptian Pyramid Archeology:  For hands-on learning.
Egyptian Pyramid Archeology: For hands-on learning.
Noah's Ark Play Set:  Imaginative play for younger kids.
Noah’s Ark Play Set: Imaginative play for younger kids.

If a day at the Met isn’t in your plans for the near future, you can still explore the Met Store by visiting the online shop.  All of their beautiful products are available online for any occasion, whether it’s a child’s birthday or a friend’s housewarming.  You can also learn about the history and inspiration behind many of the items at the store on the The Met Store Official Blog.

 

 

 

 

 

Warhol at the Met

One of the most iconic artists of all time, Andy Warhol’s work is easily recognizable to almost anyone.

Andy Warhol

One of the most iconic artists of all time, Andy Warhol’s work is easily recognizable to almost anyone.  His dynamic images made statements that influence artists still today and demonstrate the genius of his art.  On the surface, Warhol’s work conveys simple thoughts, one idea at a time, and yet still manages to speak volumes about American culture during the 60’s and 70’s.

Grevy’s Zebra
Shoes
Camouflage

From September 18 to December 31, New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art will explore Andy Warhol’s far-reaching influence on contemporary artists.  According to the Met’s website, “Regarding Warhol: Sixty Artists, Fifty Years juxtaposes prime examples of Warhol’s paintings, sculpture, and films with those by other artists who in key ways reinterpret, respond, or react to his groundbreaking work. What emerges is a fascinating dialogue between works of art and artists across generations.”  Presented in five thematic sections, the exhibition highlights themes from celebrity to human identity, from daily life to business.

Blue Marilyn
Jacqueline Kennedy II

The Jackie Kennedy portrait is one of my all-time favorites.

To learn more about the exhibit or plan a visit to the Met, go to their website or follow them on Facebook.