Chicago [more art]

I finally made it to the Art Institute of Chicago . This is a world class museum with far more galleries than I could visit in one day. Of course I started with the Impressionists, and discovered yet additional works that I had never seen from several of the masters. They have a number of Monets that are from different periods of his life, and a huge Georgia O’Keefe painting that is so large it would not fit through the door of SFMOMA, so could not be exhibited. The Art Institute finally arranged to purchase it so that it could have a permanent home. In the modern gallery, I discovered a number of Picassos that I had never seen, as well as some charcoal sketches by Dali that look nothing like his iconic surrealist paintings. I also viewed work by some of the Hudson River School artists, whom I have also recently come to appreciate. They also have a Chagall window of three panels that was a highlight.

However the most interesting discovery was an exhibition featuring the work of Remedios Varo (1908–1963) called “Science Fiction .” Born in Spain, Varo fled Europe in 1941 due to the growing dangers of World War II and emigrated permanently to Mexico City. It was here that she developed her unique practice of juxtaposing Surrealism with imagery from disciplines as diverse as chivalric romance, science, geography, feminist critique, mysticism, psychology, and tarot. This is some of the most interesting, evocative, intelligent and unique work I have ever experienced. It is like nothing else I have seen anywhere. I now have a new favorite artist to add to my growing list. If this exhibition ever comes to your area, it is not to be missed.

I also encountered a treat upon exiting the museum. The Chicago Bucket Boys were just setting up for a street performance at the bottom of the steps. I took the opportunity to photograph them and one of the group approached me to ask if I would send the photos, to which of course I agreed. Their music was really fun and it was a great photo-op.

I then walked back to the Chagall mosaic as I had failed to walk all the way around it yesterday. And across the street, I found the Miro’s Chicago sculpture , which was also partially hidden behind a construction fence. That does seem to be a common theme of this week’s visit.

Tomorrow, I will try to catch a few more destinations before and after a lunch meeting with another friend.