Patricia Piccinini at the Singapore ArtScience Museum

We Are Connected - Artist, Patricia Piccinini

It has been quite a long time since I’ve gotten to visit an art museum! Thankfully, museums and galleries are starting to reopen!

My wife and I visited Singapore this past a few weeks ago, and we headed over to the ArtScience Museum in Marina Bay.

Before I write about the exhibit, I have to say that this museum, along with so many other buildings in Singapore is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful! The architecture, design, layout, colors —- everything is top notch.

Wow, Singapore is so impressive—-I’ll probably do another blog about the Gardens By the Bay!

Ok back to the show: We Are Connected:

Patricia Piccinini is an Australian artist (born in Sierra Leone). Check out her website here. Here is a little bit about her, taken directly from her site here:

Her work encompasses sculpture, photography, video and drawing and her practice examines the increasingly nebulous boundary between the artificial and the natural as it appears in contemporary culture and ideas. Her surreal drawings, hybrid animals and vehicular creatures question the way that contemporary technology and culture changes our understanding of what it means to be human and wonders at our relationships with – and responsibilities towards – that which we create. While ethics are central, her approach is ambiguous and questioning rather than moralistic and didactic.

“My practice is focused on bodies and relationships; the relationships between people and other creatures, between people and our bodies, between creatures and the environment, between the artificial and the natural. I am particularly interested in the way that the everyday realities of the world around us change these relations. Perhaps because of this, many have looked at my practice in terms of science and technology, however, for me it is just as informed by Surrealism and mythology. My work aims to shift the way that people look at the world around them and question their assumptions about the relationships they have with the world.”

— Patricia Piccinini

Check out Patricia on Instagram here

In the first room, is basically a self portrait of the artist holding an odd and eerie creature that has a shoe print for a back. I listened to the audio of Patricia describing the piece and it was fascinating. The evolutionary fusion of human-made objects into human bodies…

Real creepy, dark stuff

I LOVE IT

Meanwhile, the back wall features videos of gross looking fleshy plant-like organisms that are constantly growing and morphing…

This gallery is laid out stunningly…

The creatures in this next room are sick! Especially against the hot magenta backdrop!

ALL My senses are peaking at this point…

Ok this is by far and away my favorite piece. Largely because of its largeness, life-like size.

But also the attention to detail and realism is jaw dropping.

This room is straight up horror film stuff and surely causes nightmares for kids under 13!

The Comforter

This may be my second favorite piece —- I wish I got a close up of this creature she is holding:

I found a great close up angle online at The Hosfelt Gallery

Back to my photos—-this one is so creepy…

Another merging of artificial and natural body parts…although looks kinda like an armadillo back…?

Third favorite piece here:

I didn’t get a close up of this kid, but i love how he is dressed like he’s in the 80s! Kinda reminds me of that film, was it RatBoy?

This is the entrance to the exhibit, and what a powerful first impression!

I should have gotten a close up of this…

Check out Patricia at the National Museum of Women in Arts here and a listing on Artsy here.

And some fascinating videos:

This exhibit was so incredibly inspiring!

• I need to make more of my own art.

• I need to go to more museums and galleries.

More stories coming soon…

Serbian Sightseeing Scramble

It’s my last week in Belgrade, and per usual, I’m running around trying to see sights that I put off seeing the first 3 weeks.  In one day, I visited two museums and one art gallery.  Success!

Right across the street from my apartment is the Historical Museum of Serbia.  

I had no idea what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised!  They had two exhibits.  The first was Saint Sava, Serbian Prince and orthodox monk, one of the most important figures in Serbian history.  He was known as The Enlightener, because he possessed vast theological knowledge and spiritual power which he brought to the people of Serbia.  He is regarded as the father of Serbian education and literature.  And a protector of the Church and its people.  

The second exhibit featured Mihajlo Pupin, a Serbian physicist, chemist and scientist.   I didn't know anything about Pupin when I walked in, but came to realize how important he was.  He came to the United States to study and work and was instrumental in developing long distance telephone technology.  He was friends with Nikola Tesla and apparently made quite an impression on Albert Einstein.  Oh yeah, and he was a founding member of NASA.  

The Pupin exhibit itself was extraordinary!  It was interactive, like the first room you walk into, you have to turn the huge page of this oversized book to get the intro video to play:

And in another room regarding Pupin's migration to the US, you stand on the floor of this "boat" and a bunch of lighting and sound effects start to play:

In another room, you swing on a swingset and the video animated back and forth to the rhythm of your swinging.  Phenomenal interactive museum design by the Serbs here!  And overall, beautiful displays.

After the Historical Museum, I hopped over to the Nikola Tesla Museum.  Nikola Tesla is a huge deal in Serbia, even the Belgrade Airport is named after him: Nikola Tesla Airport.  

The Nikola Tesla Museum is actually really small.  

I was expecting a much bigger layout, but even though it's small, the demonstration was impressive.  They show a 15 minute video on the history of Tesla and his accomplishments.  And then they demonstrate a few of his most important inventions like the alternating current (AC) coils, the remote control, and spinning motors.  

Tesla has over 300 patents and his technology was way ahead of the times.  People couldn't even wrap their brain around how important his work was.  Many modern inventions were made possible by Tesla.  He invented AC current, which is the standard for electric power.  Almost every washing machine uses his motor.  He invented remote controls.  And, he basically invented radio.  (Although he didn't get credit for it because larger companies stole his patents)

The speaker was saying that one of his proudest accomplishments is the fact that an electrical unit was named after him:  T.  T, for Tesla is a unit of magnetic field.  They even feature this on the Serbian currency: 100 dinars: 

Oh and I got to be in the same room as this incredible man!  Tesla's ashes are in this urn:

Walking around the same night, I randomly walked by this really cool art gallery called U10 Gallery.  I walked by it at first, but when I saw the art in the windows, I backtracked and checked it out.  

The exhibit featured French artists, not Serbian, but the style seemed to fit so perfectly in the gritty Belgrade aesthetic.  I think it's multiple artists named Printnoiz / Magnaro.  

You could just walk around aimlessly any night in Belgrade and find a cool museum, gallery, cafe, restaurant, bar, etc.  So much to see and do.  The best spots are usually tucked away or hidden from the road.  In Belgrade, they don't invest in the outside of the buildings.  But, don't judge a book by its cover.  Open the book and you'll see the beauty.  

It's too bad I'm leaving tomorrow, because I could stay in Serbia for a long time!  LOVE Belgrade.

London: Tate Modern Museum

Every hour, this sculpture is rearranged by Museum workers.  Constantly evolving, kinetic sculpture.

Even though I was barely in London, I saw some stuff.  Only visited one museum besides the British Museum, and it was a standout.  I'd be remissed if I didn't mention the magnificent Tate Modern museum.  

I love museums and galleries just as much for the space itself, as the art collections.  The architectural aesthetic is an equal player in the experience of viewing art.  A museum is one big installation.

The Tate Modern is ginormous and I think I only saw ~30% before work called.  The museum is free, except for the special exhibits.  

The special exhibits were: Mona Hatoum (Palestinean installation and video artist who lived in England most of her life); Bhupen Khakar (modern, provocative Indian painter); and Georgia O’Keeffe (Flower painter).  I decided on Mona Hatoum, whose work seemed the most interesting.

My decision to choose Mona Hatoum was the best decision I’ve ever made in my entire life.  

Ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration.  But, my artistic taste buds were tickled.  Everyone is lining up to see Georgia O’Keefe and barely anyone for Mona.  Suckers!  Sorry, Georgia, your flowers are pretty.  But, Mona is operating on a different frequency that my brain is completely tuned into.  

I'm not the only one who was starstruck by this exhibition: See article: "One of the shows of the year"

In one installation called "Homebound", there are numerous kitchen utensils sitting on table top counters and on the floor in in a huge space.  They are connected by live wires, and an electrical current is pulsating through the space.  You can hear and feel the electricity from two rooms away!  I was spellbound.

Image taken from the Tate Modern website.

Mona's work reminded me a little of Jorge Macchi, abstract Argentinean artist that I saw and reviewed in an earlier post at the MALBA in Buenos Aires.  She even did a few pieces of art where she deconstructed city maps, similar to Jorge.

I was not able to take any pics in the Mona Hatoum exhibit, but her work is electrifying, intriguing, unnerving, nerving, exciting, and fresh.  More.  I want more!  I did buy some postcards though:

After the Mona exhibit, I didn't want or need to see anything else.  My brain was fully satisfied and I had to go back to work.

But, before I left, I squeezed into the packed elevators to visit the top floor of the museum and check out the 360 views of the city.  Spectacular!

And, back into the tube to head to work.

Two big big thumbs up for the Tate Modern!  

BA Museum Review Pt 4: MNBA

Nacional Museo de Bellas Artes (MNBA)

The last of my 4-part Buenos Aires Art Museum review series.  (There are more than 4, btw, but I have so much more to talk about, like the scintillating Street Art...)  

Bellas Artes, aka Fine Arts.  The granddaddy of all 4 art museums.  It's finer than a fine wine.  Magnificent.  Grand.  Reminiscent of the Washington DC National Gallery of Art.  Like a second cousin once removed.

Fernanda's Fave: William Adolphe Bougeureau, The First Mourning, 1888

This museum features the best of the best.  Both Latino Americano artists, and classic artists.  I've already mentioned some of my favorite Latino Americano greats in my 3 prior posts, but Bellas Artes has all of them and more:  Jorge Macchi, Julio LeParc, Edgar Degas, Antonio Berni, Alejandro Xul Solar, Emilio Pettoruti, and Leon Ferrari, to name a few.

Emilio Pettoruti

The classic list is muy impresionante: Van Gogh, Goya, Monet, Manet, Rousseau, Gauguin, Kandisnky, Modigliani, Pollack, etc.  

Amadeo Modigliani

Each chamber is breathtaking.  The deep, rich wall colors complement the chosen works perfectly.  Everything moves in harmony.  I’m no curator, but I feel major kudos are due to the master who assembled this temple.  Fernanda, do you agree?

Oh, Macchi, you had me at hello.

FINAL REVIEW

Ok, 4 museums in 2 days.  At that rate, it's easy to get fine art fatigue and tune out of your senses.  Art requires full attention.  But, each of the museums offered a unique experience, allowing us to re-calibrate and re-focus. 

If I had to pick one to return to, it would probably be MALBA.  But, that may be because I fell in love with Jorge Macchi.  And, the Latinoamericano art vibe is so vibrant and fresh for my North American palette.  

But, Menesunda at MAMBA is a one-of-a-kind attraction that I'll never forget.  Disney could borrow some of these installation concepts for future theme park attractions.  

MACBA tickled my minimalistic mentality in a way that only architecture can.  Brehm, you would love this.

And, of course, Bellas Artes is easily the best overall experience, offering a bit of everything for all art aficionados.  

If you've got only one day in BA, I'd probably say go to MALBA.  But, you'll so close to Bellas Artes, that you might as well make it a twofer.  

BA Museum Review Pt 3: MALBA

Museo de Arte Latinoamericanos Buenos Aires (MALBA)

I can’t say enough good things about MALBA!  Love the pristine modern space with the super high ceiling, massive windows and never ending escalators.  Muy excellente!

The photography exhibit Marcados by Claudia Andujar is incredibly powerful and a must see.

Image taken from the MALBA website:  http://www.malba.org.ar/en/

And the work of Juan Tessi Cameo was a nice warm up for the main events: Jorge Macchi Perspective and the Latin American Art 20th Century.  

Jorge Macchi is now one of my favorite artists.  I didn’t take many snaps because I was too busy picking my jaw up off the ground.  Brilliant.  Stunning.  Standing ovation.

The permanent collection of Latin American Art from the 20th Century alone, is worth visiting the museum for.  Incredible energy, and dynamic artwork.  I could stare at Antonio Berni's Manifestacion for hours.  They even have work by Frida Kahlo, Roberto Matta, and Diego Rivera, to name a few well known Latin American artists.

So many amazing artists, but Alejandro Xul Solar’s Neocriollism work is particularly powerful.  

Image taken from the MALBA website:  http://www.malba.org.ar/en/evento/jeff-koons-ballerina/

Oh, and how could I forget Jeff Koons’ Ballerina, that greets you when you arrive?

Este museo es fenomenal!  Visit MALBA them on Facebook.

Next Museum to be reviewed:

Nacional Museo de Bellas Artes

BA Museum Review Pt 2: MACBA

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Buenos Aires (MACBA)

The Contemporary Art Museum is right next to MAMBA and it is a great complement to the Modern Museum.  

Minimalism is the main motif in MACBA.  'MAC' might as well stand for 'minimal and clean'.

While a bit smaller than the other 3 museums we visited, the space was brilliantly curated and aesthetically on point.  The American oak wood floors are begging to be sat on, as evidenced by the pic of Fernanda below.  The ramps connecting the various floors are beautifully spacious, and provide sneak peeks of the art you're about to see. 

I loved the work of Magdalena Jitrik, especially this HUGE piece: Orquesta Roja, 2008.  

And the Algunas Chicas photography exhibit by Adriana Lestido was beautiful. 

But, I think my favorite set of work was Leila Tschopp, whose simplicity in form and color was striking.  

Two thumbs up for MACBA.  But, sadly, I think it gets overshadowed by the big MAMBA next door.  :[

Next Museum to be reviewed:

MALBA...

BA Museum Review Pt 1: MAMBA

Another rainy weekend in Buenos Aires made for memorable art museum adventures!  

Lucky me, I met the most amazing mujer, mi novia nueva Fernanda, who is studying to be an art curator.  She showed me 4 museums in 2 days: two in San Telmo, and two in Recoleta. (Both are awesome artsy areas of BA)

First up, MAMBA!

Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires (MAMBA)

When you walk into MAMBA, your first view is a winding staircase.  Unique, powerful & playful.  I realized later it was built on roller coaster tracks!

MAMBA is probably my favorite museum of all 4 we went to.  I think because of the great bathroom icons...

Or, maybe it was the cool staircases...

No, I think the real reason is because it is home to the most impressive installation I saw all weekend: La Menesenda, by Segun Marta Minujin.  This walking tour of 11 rooms had twists, turns and was full of surprises!  Simply magical.

And of course, the Paradox at the Center exhibit was outstanding!  

Overall, I highly recommend MAMBA, (which has nothing to do with Kobe Bryant or his recent retirement) and if you go, you MUST see La Menesenda!

Stay tuned for Buenos Aires Museum Review #2...

MACBA