This fickle, fascinating thing is like an oil slick on water, or drops of paint in a layer of thick cream. It’s a different technique than I’ve seen used before or since, and I kind of feel like it was an experiment gone a bit awry – but that’s why I adore it.
Thursday
*points* And that, boys and girls, is minimalist pre-deco in the form of a bowl.
Wednesday
I have such love for the little collection of University City pottery that SLAM has, and there is no finer showcase for the collective talents of the group than this. I mean, look at it: it is breathtakingly simple and elegant, but deliciously modern in a way that was groundbreaking for the early 20th century. The color palette is subdued but makes you feel content with it, and it’s just hella lovely. 10/10, would absolutely visit again and again and again.
Tuesday
I love this. You can get up close (within reason) and see the pastel’s details, the chalk-like smears and the delicate smudging. It’s actually a very transformative piece to look at.
Monday
If you ever try to tell me that Christian art is more beautiful than other religious art, I will remind you that in different parts of SLAM, this exists on the same floor as a statue of the baby Jesus that looks like Robin the Frog from the Muppets. So put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Sunday
I’m pretty sure that the hallmarks of prehistoric art are pretty much 1) draw/paint/sculpt an animal, 2) draw/paint/sculpt a human being, 3) draw/paint/sculpt something to represent the god(s) of your choice (which can tie back to either #1 or #2). Landscapes didn’t come around till much later, but that’s another kettle of fish.
Saturday
This is an amazing piece of cultural Japanese history and we’re lucky that it’s survived, seeing as how floods and earthquakes and fires and wars and things. And that we know who it represents and why he is so important historically – especially in context today – makes it even more important now.
Friday
I love the cross-cultural confluence of Chinese-Tibetan-Indian styles in this statuette. You can clearly tell which culture influenced which portion.
Thursday
I just don’t even know where to begin with this one: it’s the epitome of high Bhuddist art without even trying, and yet, there are better, finer examples elsewhere. But… look at it. It’s perfect.
Wednesday
I always end up in front of this particular dish because it is just visually arresting. It just sucks you in and holds you tight and shakes you a little (for your lunch money, maybe? for your immortal soul?).