Recently John and I were able to check out a really fascinating museum in Chicago. Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art features works of 'outsider art' or art produced without a formal art background. It is worth noting that outsider art has contextual prejudices, which is unfortunate, because so many artists create so many interesting and beautiful regardless of having a formal art education. Intuit embraces outsider art and it was quaint exhibition space featuring some really remarkable things. Currently on view at Intuit is a wonderful photography show by Lee Godie. Godie was known for hanging outside the front steps of the Art Institute of Chicago as well as taking self-portraits inside photo booths in Chicago's Union Station. Godie's portraits definitely evoke Cindy Sherman, yet she offers her take and awareness on art production. Godie's photos can be humorous, sometimes elegant, but with an undertone of loneliness. I'm grateful to have been able to visit the museum and see Godie's photos. Next week I'll be sharing photos from Intuit's Henry Darger room.
The National Gallery in London is a tour de force when it comes to housing some really good art. From Caravaggio to Velasquez, from Gainsborough to Turner -- masterpieces by master artists make for a helluva an afternoon in London. I remember I searched out the Arnolfini portrait by van Eyck as well as Delaroche's Lady Jane Grey -- two marvelous paintings surround by other amazing works of art. In my trip to the National Gallery back in February, I remember strolling through the galleries really in awe of all of the amazing paintings I recalled that I had studied as an undergrad. The significance of so many wonderful pieces of art and the cultural weight was so wonderfully impressive and also riveting.
