A new tour…
I’m working on a new tour for the museum. This will be my inaugural VTS (Visual Thinking Strategies) tour (read more about that here). The tour won’t be pure VTS but a hybrid tour. That means I can and will use the three questions central to VTS, but I will also give information about the artist and the artwork. I also need a theme and some transitions from one piece of art to the next. So, I’m asking for your help!
The first piece of art…
This is not a painting. It’s a chromogenic print. I need to investigate that to see what it means. I think it’s just a fancy kind of photo. Anyway, it’s a little different, right? But, I love it! It’s so outrageous but there’s so much going on in it. And, that’s the kind of thing that leads to good conversations about the piece. Is it too weird? Nah, there’s no such thing, right?
The second piece…
This is my second piece of art. I included it in my graduation tour, and I get varying responses to it. One person was appalled I used it at all because she’s nude! Imagine that…a nude in an art museum. The thing that cracks me up about this painter is that he also painted the portraits of Grover Cleveland and Calvin Coolidge!
The final piece…
This was also in my graduation tour. It’s one of my absolute favorite pieces of art at the museum. The canvas alone is over six feet tall. I would imagine the frame adds several more inches. It’s the piece I feel most comfortable talking about because I have practicied it so much. It was the first piece on my graduation tour. When I was practicing for my graduation, I would always start over once I’d made a mistake. That meant I repeated the information about this piece several times.
My conundrum…
I realize these are three very different pieces of art. That was my intent. But, I’m trying to come up with a theme and a title. My first thought was “Art You Love to Hate.” Catchy, right? My friends all said, “Nay, nay!” Another thought I had was “Art That Makes You Go Hmmmm.” I don’t know about you, but I definitely go hmmm about each of them for very different reasons. So, I asked ChatGPT. Well, the first piece colored every option. One that seemed to work was “Beyond the Ordinary.” I don’t really even know that I have a theme between these three pieces except they are so so different! But, then maybe that is my theme. I keep going around and around and can’t really figure out where to stop.
The outfit…
First, let’s talk about these tights! They’re from Snag and are called Time Warp in Raspberry. Unfortunately, they seem to be sold out. My friends, if you wear tights, you have to try Snag Tights. I’m not sure why I waited so long! They are absolutely the best tights I have ever purchased. I love that I don’t feel like I need to keep pulling them up. I loved how this pair just went with the whole vibe of the Muu. And, yes, they’re a little naughty, too! I had a birthday code from Kantha Bae and ordered this Muu. I just loved the colors and the print of this dress. This is the Gold Dust Muu which is no longer available. I’ve discovered I don’t really like the cotton kantha cloth items because they’re just a bit bulky for my taste. But, the silks are really my thing. This “dress” was really just a huge square of fabric that buttoned down the front and had some ruffles along the sides and sleeves. I tried it unbuttoned, but I wasn’t feeling it. So, I did what I usually do and pulled out a belt. This happens to be a very old Brighton belt. I didn’t want something that would call a lot of attention to itself. I just wanted to create some shape in the “dress.” But, let’s talk about the print and the colors. You may have noticed that weird dotted fuchsia bit on my sleeve and elsewhere. That’s because these items are made from recycled saris. Sometimes, they have imperfections so they add in a sorta coordinating fabric. I think it works well, but I do like it better when there aren’t any patches at all.
The Lewk!
It’s kinda funny. Jodie just wrote about your shoes not matching your outfit. And, I commented that I don’t do that…um…I guess I was wrong! But, you have to admit these Women Bohemian Leather Printing Stitching Non-slip Breathable Sandals (seriously, that’s their name) are perfect for this outfit! I decided to add even more color with my earrings, and bracelets. I didn’t wear a necklace because, let’s face it, you wouldn’t have noticed it anyway. All of the jewelry is from World Finds. If you haven’t tried them out yet, I highly recommend their jewelry. It’s beautiful, well priced, and is all about sustainability and helping others.
Wrap it up, Marsha!
As you can see, I do have quite the conundrum. I like all three of these pieces of art for different reasons. But, there’s the rub. What I feel means nothing when it comes to VTS. I’m sure guests can tell when a docent really likes a piece of art rather than just kinda liking it. I think all three of these are so very, very different from each other, but I need them to tie in together. So, can we talk? What would you title this tour? What would you use as a theme? Do you think these three pieces just don’t work together at all? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
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Here’s a curve ball – Motherhood! The first made me think about a nun’s habit set off in an obscure form. The second picture reminded me of a type of body one might have before a pregnancy and the third spoke of a mother and her angelic children who do look like they might have a bit of devilment in them, which takes us back full circle to the first picture which might challenge the religious themes connected to being a nun. .
Wow, Rosie! That’s very interesting. I like how they circle back to the first picture. I’m really going to have to do some thinking with all the wonderful suggestions!
I can understand your dilemma as all three art works are so different. I guess it may also depend if those on your gallery tour are very conservative . I love all three , you have chosen well. One suggestion – the different roles women play in our society.
I also love that dress with your new tights.
Best of luck Marsha.
Thank you, Jill! I purposely chose three completely different pieces, not even realizing they were women! Interesting idea…the roles women play…I could maybe do something with that!
I can see how it would be tough to come up with a cohesive theme between these 3 random works of art (I just spend a bit of time learning about Chromogenic printing since I hadn’t heard that term before). The one thought that came to my mind is they all seem to be enjoying some sort of adulation or attention– the first appearing to be in the spotlight on stage, the second being immortalized fully nude and frontal, the last having all the excess attention of the cherubs..
Thanks, Joanne! That’s an interesting observation. I like that a lot. I wonder if I can work that into my tour!
Marsha, I love this outfit so much! The Muu, the tights, the shoes…all so brilliant alone and even better together! As for the artwork, as Jill and Rosie both pointed out, all three works feature women, so I think that might be your theme…maybe something like “Focus on the Female Form”. Although I really like Rosie’s suggestion of Motherhood as well. By the way, Cindy Sherman is one of my favorite artists ever! I wrote my undergrad Philosophy thesis using Cindy Sherman’s self portraits, Pablo Picasso’s Mademoiselles d’Avignon, and Rene DeCartes’ The Postcard in a comparative piece about voyeurism. I really wish I still had that paper somewhere but it has been lost over the years. I wish you much luck with your tour, my friend. You will be fabulous whatever theme you choose!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I just started pulling things out and was so surprised at how well they matched! I love it and will probably wear it to the museum for a gallery conversation day. Oh, I love that you did a thesis on Cindy Sherman. I’d love it if you sent me your thoughts even if you’ve lost the paper. I haven’t really researched her much yet. I don’t have to do the tour until January so I have some time.
Marsha I am anxious to hear how your tour goes and what you call it. That first piece is kinda creepy, and I am sure will lead to very interesting conversations. The 2nd one makes me think – they had bikini waxes back then? So, that’s what I’d bring to the conversation, lol.
I cannot believe how well your dress, tights, and shoes go together – like they were made for one another!
xo,
Kellyann
Thanks, Kellyann! I was really shocked when I pulled out the shoes to discover they were almost a perfect match for the Muu! And, I bought the tights on a whim and love them. I don’t have the tour until January so I’ve got a bit of time to let the ideas here percolate. As for the nude…painters prior to Paxton did paint in pubic hair. People thought that was vulgar so he didn’t paint any in. She’s also not anatomically correct, if you get my drift. I call her a Barbie nude!
My first thought was that none of them look at the viewer, but seem to be there to looked at (more than just as a painting or print, I mean, but for a purpose, sorry my tired brain can’t put it better at the moment).
Thanks, Cat! That’s an interesting observation. I hadn’t even noticed that. I’m going to have to think about that for a bit.
About the art, my thought is stages of life: old age, youth, and death. And I LOVE those shoes.
Thanks, Nancy! Aren’t the shoes fun? That’s a good idea, too! I’m going to have a hard time narrowing this down with all the wonderful suggestions.
I’d call it “Delight to Fright … The Human Form” because these works show both beauty and ugliness of humans. Love the colors and textures of your outfit. You put it together so well!
Thanks, Beth! I like that title, but I wonder if that doesn’t fall into the same realm as Art You Love to Hate which my docent friends vetoed right away. But, I could work in the beauty and ugliness of humans for sure! Thanks for that idea.
I loved reading everyone’s suggestions. I am curious to see what you come up with. Art is definitely in the eye of the beholder, just like beauty. I don’t love modern art, but I do love graffiti. I like sculptures but not all subjects. Your outfit is so cohesive and fun!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thank you, Mireille! I had fun pulling it together. You are 100% right about art being in the eye of the beholder. I am, though, growing to appreciate more contemporary art as I look more closely at it. I love graffiti. It’s such a beautiful expression of art, isn’t it?
That’s an interesting mix of art, and I love all of the pieces! What about Panoply or An Eclectic Mix? Can’t wait to hear what you come up with! Your tights are so fun! Love this colorful look!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Thanks, Jill! I really like the outfit, too, and was so surprised at how well the dress and shoes matched. I love the word, Panoply. I just may have to work that into the tour!
The other good thing about Snag tights is how they come in so many fun colors!!
And your theme for your tour could concentrate on people (not landscapes) somehow?
Xoox
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I don’t know what took me so long to try them. Oh, that’s a good idea. If only that pesky Bouguereau hadn’t put in a background as the other two are lacking one! I could have done something with that!
I love the title with hm, as I did so when I saw them. The first one is the best for me. It screams horror, ha ha. I see a bit of Pennywise in it. Perhaps it’s the grandmother/father, lol. And what about your tights!! Oh la la Marsha! Super! I definitely need to buy some sexy tights.
Thanks, Nancy! Yes, you definitely need some sexy tights! I kinda shocked myself when I saw the photos! Yes, I can see Pennywise in the first one. One person said it was Ben Franklin! I like the hmmm, too!
Oh wow, those pieces of art. I have strong opinions on all 3!! The first, I think Nancy (see above) has got it right, it’s (! Ha! ) grotesque. The second, where’s the hair??? Jeepers. This is the idolised fictional version of womanhood that is almost universal. Think of Ruskin and his supposed horror when he first saw Effie’s naked body – actually I think this is a story that cannot be verified. Still, the marriage was annulled. And even the 3rd I find unbearably sentimental. 3 versions of womanhood. There you are. The grotesque, the unbelievable, unreal beauty and the overly sentimental. Not one of them is true to real women.
As for the outfit – those shoes 😍 They are truly amazing!
Thanks, Penny, for the compliments. It’s funny because when I did the first one for a practice, someone said, “Ben Franklin!” As for the hair, painters before Paxton did paint pubic hair. That was considered vulgar so he purposefully left it out. That turns some people today off because they think the woman is too young. But, you’re 100% right about it being the idolized version or idealized view of a woman as Paxton was an academic painter. Idealized representations were part of the gig. I find the first one intriguing rather than grotesque though I’m sure most see it that way. I hesitate to use a word that connotates something negative when describing my tour, though. Cindy Sherman was known for using prosthetics so the first one may very well have some of those as well as the wig being placed in a weird place.
I love your look Marsha! Now on to a theme for your tour, I’m thinking something like the “many dimensions of a woman”. There is feminine energy in each piece but totally different ways of showing it. Maybe something with this idea in mind? Love that you asked us. Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I really like the idea of the theme being something to do with women, and I really like your “many dimensions of a woman.” I may use that. The title is going to be a little more tricky though I doubt guests actually remember the title after the tour is done. I will definitely let you all know what I decide when I get the tour written. It’s not until January so I have some time.
Now that is a spectacularly cool and colorful outfit, Marsha! The tights are a great addition. You’ve had a lot of great suggestions about your tour – I wish you luck narrowing in on your title/theme.
Thanks, Sally! I had no idea how well the shoes would go with the Muu, and then the tights were just the raspberry on the top (see what I did there)! I love all these suggestions and think I’ll use something about women as the theme. I’m still working on the title.
I love your colorful outfit, Marsha! As for the artwork, I don’t have any recommendations for a theme, but I do like Beyond the Ordinary. I hope you will share with us what you ultimately choose.
Thanks, Christie! I really hadn’t intended to be all matchy matchy for this look, but it sure came out that way. I like Beyond the Ordinary and yet I am drawn to Art that Makes You Go Hmmm. I have a bit before the tour so I can let it percolate!
I wish I could help, but I’m stumped on a theme for those three works of art. I will think on it some more and see if my brain can come up with anything. Those shoes are so neat! Love how bold they are and your outfit, too!
Thanks, Laura! The best thing about the shoes is how comfortable they are. I know what you mean about the art…all so drastically different, but I’m just convinced there’s a tour there!
Hi, Marsha – Have you picked a title yet? You have some good suggestions in the comments here. Perhaps “A Tour of the Differences in Art” or “Focus on the Woman.” “Hmmm” is good too. You look great and the stockings are sexy. I just have to remember to pull out my patterned tights and wear them! Thanks for the reminder – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
No, I’m still mulling all of the answers I received. They were all so good. I hesitate to use anything that would call the first piece ugly simply because that’s injecting my opinion into it. The thing about VTS is that what I think matters not at all. I do like the idea of the theme being about womanhood, but the title could be the Hmmm one. That’s what keeps coming back to me. Until I discovered Snag tights, the most I had was a pair of striped pantyhose! I can’t wait to see their new crop of items! Thanks, Angie!
There are a lot of great suggestions here so I’ll just comment on the shoes like I often do — they are wildly aweome.
Thanks, Lisa! They are really cute, aren’t they? I haven’t worn them to the museum for the ultimate “walking for hours” test yet, but I think they’d pass!
Try a time travel theme.
Oooh, that’s a very interesting idea. There’s definitely that aspect! Thanks, Mary!
What a lovely burst of colour you are! What about perception of women as the tour title? On the gold one, painted in 1906 and no pubic hair? This I have to investigate…..
I love in that one also the reflection of the gallery attendees – the painting is also presenting the viewers. It’s very meta….lovely. Here from #FineWhatever
Aww, thanks, Lydia! I love to wear color though, sometimes, it may wear me! I like Perception of Women! You’ll have to let me know what you discover about the gold one. When I was first writing my tour, I kept looking at that photo and trying to figure out if that was part of the painting or not! Then, I realized it was, indeed, a reflection.