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.
Located close to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery in London offers a wonderful glimpse at the many people who influenced the development of Britain. From members of the royal family to historical kings and queens, the Portrait Gallery is not only a walk through English pictorial history, but the arrangement of newer paintings combined with older ones was a fresh and engaging curatorial choice. It was wonderful to spot well-known historical figures like Richard III, Henry VIII, and Winston Churchill. The differences of contemporary dress, hairstyles, and customs were wonderful to identify, but also the changes in artistic techniques of the individuals portrayed. I had a wonderful time seeing familiar faces and also learning more about British culture.
