Checking Out The "New" CMA

The museum I grew up with, the one I knew like the back of my hand, has undergone a huge transformation in the past few years. They are not done with the renovations yet, but many galleries are open again, and the new atrium is just astounding. It's quite a thrill to enter this vast space. We visited last night briefly, but plan to go back when we have more time to take it all in. The Ai Weiwei bronze Chinese Zodiac sculptures are on exhibit there for a time. They are huge, but are actually a bit dwarfed by this enormous room.

For now, just a few quick shots of the new atrium. I have promised myself to return when I have more time to explore and linger.

To learn more about the Cleveland Museum of Art click here.

Skull Jewelry

In Melbourne, Australia a few weeks ago, I happened upon this piece in a shop window.
No idea what is going on here.
Apparently an actual animal skull of some sort, about the size of a dog (or a Dingo?) fitted with an elaborate piece of metalwork. The stone looks to be a huge Labradorite I think.
(Australia is known for their opals.....they were everywhere in shops, and not cheap, I might add.)
Interesting...but what would you do with it?

Melbourne, Australia...city of innovative graffiti. I mean, street art!

We just got home from the trip of a lifetime: two weeks exploring the Australian coast. 

I'll post more about the trip in the weeks to come, but for starters I want to share with you my shots of the colorful graffiti we found throughout the eclectic city of Melbourne. (pronounced "Melbin" by the Aussies, BTW)

I even caught a few artists in the act. (Boy was that alley filled with toxic fumes!)

Great stuff, though. It really transformed what might have otherwise been dirty depressing back alleys into outdoor art galleries. A real treat.

Click here to see how the city government of Melbourne feels about their painted walls.
You can click on each individual image to see it larger.

The Guggenheim

I hate to admit that the last time I was inside the spectacular Guggenheim Museum in New York City was probably twenty years ago. It is hard to believe that this modern architectural "sculpture" is more than 50 years old. It's still one of my favorite gallery spaces.

We really enjoyed the current Picasso Exhibition featuring black and white works by the artist.

Impossible to take photos there though, without getting scolded by guards. 

(I took my chances.) I really just wanted to photograph the space, not the artwork. No harm in that, is there?

The show closes in January, 2013. Get there if you can.

But keep your phone/camera in your pocket. And don't look down if you are prone to vertigo!
(The first two photos are mine...the rest are not. I swear.)