Thoroughly Modern Mickalene

THE MODERN WINDOW AT THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
LE DeJEUNER SUR L’HERBE: LES TROIS FEMMES NOIRES"Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe: Les Trois Femmes Noires" is a project commissioned by the MoMA for The Modern restaurant window on 53rd Street. The project was executed in two stages: initially, a large format printing of Thomas' "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe: Les Trois Femmes Noires" photograph occupied the window November 2009 through February 2010. In February, it was replaced by the painting on three panels that is currently on view. 

Not sure if you noticed or not, but as Tara mentioned I took a small holiday to the BIG Apple. That’s right, I left 75 degree weather here in sunny San Diego and headed to the blustering east coast—NYC. Aside from it feeling a lot like Gotham City, I had an amazing time! In between catching up with friends out there, I was pleased to have some alone time to do “arty” things, so I headed to the MoMA. What’s funny, is that one of my favorite parts of the museum was the outside! Upon arrival, was a window on 53rd Street, outside of the restaurant, and in it was a HUGE Mickalene Thomas piece: “LE DeJEUNER SUR L’HERBE: LES TROIS FEMMES NOIRES”. I was so excited because a few days earlier we received our monthly copy of ARTnews Magazine and one of my favorite articles in it was “Rhinestone Odalisques” by Barbara Pollack. I’d never heard of Mickalene Thomas before, but I instantly fell in love with her work. Her images are so strong, empowering, feminine, and modern! I’m such a sucker for mixed media, bright colors, and shiny things, so I was beside myself when I saw that article. You can imagine my surprise coming across one in person so quickly. The thing was giant and so, so beautiful! I wanted to take it home with me.(But instead of becoming a criminal, I guess I'll just settle on making something like it of my own.) My best friend who I was with took a picture of me with her camera looking very excited in front of the piece, but I don’t have it yet so enjoy a few of the photos I do have. Please look up Mickalene Thomas’ work and/or pick up the current ARTnews, you won’t be sorry!

Talk soon. Carissa x

Outside of MoMA. . . Looks cold, doesn’t it?

 

Personal photo of “LE DeJEUNER SUR L’HERBE: LES TROIS FEMMES NOIRES”. . . Sorry about the glare. :-/



This is me standing inside MoMA, with a view of the outside. So if you use your imagination you can mind-photoshop me into the front of the Thomas window!

 

 

 

I MET JUDY CHICAGO!

Okay, in reality, that’s a lie. But I did get very close! Beth, Museum Coordinator (friend), and I went down to SDMA to see Artist, Judy Chicago give a lecture about the new book she wrote with Art Historian, Frances Borzello called: Frida Kahlo:Face to Face. It was an awesome lecture and very well-attended. I think the most exciting parts were:

1. Seeing Judy in person. I’ve had a total girl-crush on her since college.  
2. Being in the midst of many other art historians who were speaking a lingo that, Beth and I agreed, we don’t hear enough anymore.
3. Viewing such a broad body of Kahlo’s work in one lecture. Chicago had studied many stages of Kahlo’s life, beginning with the most basic portraits, and followed it all the way until the end. Every struggle was represented. And Judy was very good about relating Kahlo’s work back to other women in art, both past and present.
4. Having two of my favorite artists being presented and presenting at the same time was such a treat. I was on overload. Women in art, ROCK!

To read/hear more about the book check it out here and here.

xx Carissa

Channeling Mondrian

Has your Mom ever told you your birth story? My Mom never shies away from the subject. I think she just likes to make me feel guilty. The birth story I love the most is the one my co-workers tell me regarding how I got hired here at the Center Museum. It has all the fun, feel-good elements—minus the gory details. Here’s a peek at one of the reason I got hired: my vintage, Mondrian inspired shoes! Beth, the Museum Coordinator, got me a ring to match for Christmas. It’s been the highlight of my holiday season.

Also, look out for photos of Security Guard Joe’s car that we will be painting soon, inspired by this photo below. His 1990 Geo Metro will never look better!

PS. I want to be this lady!

x Carissa