In trying to come up with a collective name for guides, I came across the word ‘gallimaufry’ which comes from mid 16th century French and means ‘a medley or hodge-podge’. As it appears to be derived from the Old French ‘galer’ ‘to make merry and live well’ – it is my favourite current contender. So, in the spirit of ‘gallimaufry’, a big thank you to all the guides who have sent me an assortment of ideas, images. inventions and in the case of Mario, ‘identity transformation’ for your weekend enjoyment.
To begin, Margie Richardson shows an image of how parents are recognizing early artistic ability and creating their own didactics in the new ‘I have a house museum too’ world.
Antonietta Martin forwarded a link to MoMA’s ‘Art is a Source of Strength’ slideshow. MoMA staff have chosen 27 works of art that they have found themselves thinking about while in lockdown. Ranging from Matisse to Mondrian and from Bourgeois to Gober, this interesting selection looks at how art provides solace, support and inspiration. The slideshow can be viewed at: https://www.moma.org/magazine/articles/297?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MKT+-+MoMA+From+Home+General+20200504&utm_content=MKT+-+MoMA+From+Home+General+20200504+CID_bfee3803c8d4ebf8e808ccdeea460d02&utm_source=campaignmonitor&utm_term=Art+Is+a+Source+of+Strength
MoMA Collection
Included in the MoMA show is Edward Hopper’s ‘New York Movie, 1939’ which captures feelings of loneliness and isolation. It is a continuing reminder that Hopper’s art resonates so well with today’s world. So, for those who continue to think that our lives are just like an Edward Hopper painting, Elizabeth Tulloh reminded me that the French think so too as evidenced by this delightful video she forwarded.
Speaking of the ‘French Connection’, Charles French has also been engaging in artistic endeavours and he has devised some ‘Wuzzles’ that guides might like to try. A Wuzzle is a combination of words and puzzles designed to challenge thinking in a critical and creative way. Below are some Wuzzles based on TITLES of artworks in the NGVI collection. The first one is presented as an example:
Clues: most works were on display on level two NGVI prior to closure and one work has been shown in Federation Court in the last few years. Can you work them out?
If you found Charles’ visual challenge too difficult, have a look at ‘Someone Created A Funny Guide On How To Recognize Famous Painters’ sent in by Sylvia Walsh. This quick and easy guide, created by Reddit user DontTacoBoutIt, will help you recognize famous painters by pointing out the distinctive style elements in their paintings – in a hilarious way. I particularly enjoyed how ‘Everyone looks like Putin in a van Eyck painting’. Check it out at: https://www.demilked.com/how-to-recognize-art-funny/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=DemilkedFB
Finally, Mario Del Grosso has used his time in isolation to add another string (or six) to his artistic abilities. Meet our new singer/songwriter in his debut performance:
If you need to calm down with a lyrical painting and a stiff drink, there is always this week’s ‘Cocktails with a Curator’ from The Frick Collection. This week enjoy Turner’s ‘Harbor of Dieppe’ while sipping on a ‘Widow’s Kiss’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1f39wlwtR4&list=PLNVeJpU2DHHR_0y_Zvgn3MgZQQFcFx2eI&index=2&t=0s
Have a safe and quiet weekend before (hopefully) emerging a little more into the world next week. Cheers!
Congratulations Michael,
Another entertaining blog.
Mario was superb, Parents of budding artist wall text was fun. I particularly enjoyed Cocktails with the curator but alas. the quiz was above my head. Cheers