Visiting the Chazen

A 1967 Andy Warhol screen print of Marilyn Monroe at the
Chazen Museum of Art.      1/2/2019 dwm photo

I appreciate art.  In fact, I took a specific class called Art Appreciation, in first and second grade.

During our visit to the Chazen, I enjoyed checking it out.  There was an exhibition, Entanglements, using plastics recovered from waterways or recovered from animals that died after eating it.

While the pieces were interesting, the stark message about the damage plastic waste is doing to the planet was evident to all.

The Chazen is the second-largest collection of art in Wisconsin with 22,000 works.  Paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, photographs, and decorative arts can be seen on three floors in two buildings connected by a sky-walk gallery that connects both sides.

A gallery of European - American
20th century art. 1/2/19 (dwm)

It surprised me to read that the museum isn't part of the Art program, but the Office of the Provost.  The mission of that office includes ensure the Wisconsin Idea in the state of Wisconsin and beyond.

In short, the "Wisconsin Idea" is that the benefit of a university shouldn't be limited to the campus and its students, but reach everyone in the state.  It is a reason "short courses" are offered to farmers and business people in their corners of the state, and why the Chazen opens its doors to all.

A small section of  "Oriental Pharmacy Lunch  Counter" by
Adolph Rosenblatt with Painted ceramic and wood.
1/2/2019 dwm photo

There are pieces I didn't care for much, and others I found captivating, interesting, or thought-provoking.

In my life, and in my photography, I enjoy art the uplifts or cheers the viewer.  I realize the value of art can include shocking and informing.  It may also serve to drive home the idea that beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder!

On the 4th floor of the Elvehjem building is a delightful work called the Oriental Pharmacy Lunch Counter (photo at right). 

On a large pedestal stands four lunch counters in the old Milwaukee Pharmacy named for the Oriental theater in whose shadow it stood.  I'd describe it as showing a moment in the counter's life - with people crowded around the counters eating - drinking - talking - reading; in short, living their lives.
In 3-dimensions, you can see the emotions captured on each face or in their body's language.  It is complex, simple, and wonderful.