Eugène Atget

I can't recall the first time I saw a photo by Eugène Atget, but all I know is that his work is remarkable. In 2012, MoMA hosted a wonderful exhibition on select photos by Atget and I was very eager to see his photos in person. Atget worked toward the end of the 19th century and used photographic techniques that were unusual for his time, specifically his snapshot quality of daily life in Paris and of various French gardens, including Versailles. Personally, I continue to be inspired and captivated by his work and feel connected to the timeless quality of his photos. 

Tucson Botanical Garden

Several weeks ago I was able to visit Tucson, AZ to see my aunts Iris, Jan, and Lida. Over the next coming weeks I'll be sharing several blogs about my trip to Tucson. 

This week's blog entry starts with my visit to the Tucson Botanical Gardens. A traveling exhibition, developed by the New York Botanical Garden, showcasing several exhibits about the life and home of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907 -1954). The exhibitions included a recreation of a small Mayan temple that Frida and her husband Diego Rivera used as a focal point in their garden in Mexico City. Their 'Casa Azul' or 'Blue House', painted a vibrant bright blue, is still in Mexico where visitors are welcomed. Frida's life and expressive career as a painter was inspired-in-part by nature (specifically the dessert climate), as thematically proved in the garden exhibits.
 
The garden had wonderful specimens of native Southwestern plants, shrubs, trees, and cacti. It also included a small cafe that featured a Frida-inspired menu. It was an extreme pleasure to have dinner with my aunts, learn about new species of cacti and plants, and celebrate the work and life of Frida.