Museum Monday - The Getty 2023
It was a spur of the moment decision to visit The Getty last week, tempted by a teaser for the Sheila Metzner: From Life exhibit. Once there, there were other artful bonuses - the abalone inspired installation in the entry hall (above), Reckoning with Millet’s Man with a Hoe and Alfredo Boulton: Looking at Venezuela, 1928–1978.
When learning about an unfamiliar artist or photographer, I prefer the smaller exhibits, such as the ones below, as they tend to be “manageable” and don’t overwhelm.
Sheila Metzner: From Life, through Feb. 18, 2024
From the Getty website: This exhibition celebrates the artistry of the internationally acclaimed American photographer Sheila Metzner, who made her mark on the history of late 20th-century photography in the areas of fashion and still life. Metzner’s unique style blends aspects of Pictorialism and Modernism to forge an aesthetic that not only stands out in the history of photography, but became closely associated with the best of 1980s fashion, beauty, and decorative arts trends.
What I liked: The varied images selected for the exhibit. Learning that “she began perfecting her craft in the evenings after putting her children to bed. Her nightly ritual included wearing heels and applying lipstick, signifying the switch from caregiver to artist.”
Alfredo Boulton: Looking at Venezuela, 1928–1978, through Jan. 7, 2024
From the Getty website: Alfredo Boulton is considered one of the most important champions of modern art in Venezuela and a key intellectual of 20th-century modernism. He was a pioneer of photography, an art critic, a researcher and historian of Venezuelan art, and a friend to many of the great artists and architects of his time. This exhibition explores Boulton's multidimensional persona by showcasing his photographic work, his relationships with modern artists, and his influence on the formalization of art history in his country.
What I liked: The exhibit is in the Research Institute galleries. Generally I visit the other galleries; it was nice to have a reason to step into this building. I appreciated the learning about the breadth of Boulton’s career. Great exhibit space design.
Reckoning with Millet’s Man with a Hoe, through Dec. 10, 2023
Though I didn’t take any images in this 1-room exhibit, it was fascinating to learn about the painting and the artist within the context of its time.
