fibonacci
Oops. After my loud proclamation that I’d write while on vacation, my blog fell asleep. I apologize! All the wandering around Tokyo made me quite the vapid soul by end of day, leaving me uninspired to write. And obviously, given that the purpose of this blog is to inspire you, I couldn’t possibly pen anything at such moments. (And there goes my grand idea to start a separate travel blog.)
So I must back-peddle into the caves of my memory, which is a scary thought. I might as well start making up my trip.
But first as a quick aside, let me share a rare moment of pride for my alma mater:
Brandeis is planning to sell off all pieces in its Rose Art Museum to save itself from a dire financial situation, as its endowment has tumbled due to the economy. I have never been to the museum, but the Times tells me it has one of the most important postwar art collections in New England, counting Lichtenstein, Warhol and lovers Rauschenberg and Johns in its collection. The dear director of Northwestern’s Block Museum is quoted denouncing the decision, calling it a “detriment to all our institutions.” Bravo. There must be other solutions out there. Only selling part of the art collection? Freezing salaries? Art is meant to be shared, not shielded.
Ok I just read that and had to write about it. Back to Japan. Actually, the little bit above provides a nice segue – one of my favorite parts of the trip was a visit to the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art, where a very cool Jim Lambie exhibit was showing. While in transit to the museum, I started doubting my decision to go as it was off the beaten track, but the show was definitely worth it.
My other favorites: watching the rockabilly greasers in Yoyogi Park, hanging out with a friend’s friend and his friends (and subsequently my friend’s friend’s friend’s friends ha!), sampling an unhealthy amount of food, wandering the side streets and little districts with my friend (and host. Thanks!)
I think that because I’ve been to China, Taiwan and Hong Kong a few times, Tokyo was not as much of a culture shock as I had expected. It also wasn’t as crowded as I imagined it to be – only certain shopping districts were teeming with people. I love how clean the city is though. Americans are just shameful in comparison – we (they?) must learn that it is not that difficult to keep your gum in your mouth, your trash in your hand, your smells in the bathroom. I wait for the day I don’t sit perched on the edge of a BART seat for fear of its grime. What else did I love…ah, the general public is so polite! After purchasing anything, the saleswomen (all women, sadly) will stand there and bow at you as you walk away. You’ll get one extra bow if you turn around to look at them. And probably another if you turn around again.
Pictures on Facebook/Picasa…I’m getting sleepy again and must get some rest for my first day of work on the new job tomorrow!
miro for me
UCBerkeley is reinstating a very cool program that allows students to borrow original works of art from the school’s extensive collection to hang in their dorm rooms. Amazingly, the pieces available include pictures from masters Georges Braque and Max Ernst. At a time when Millenials find more interest online than in museums, I applaud Cal’s Graphics Art Loan Collection program in its efforts to expose and encourage interest in the fine arts.
new way to heat your house
Other fun pictures at Inspire Me, Now!.
artsy fartsy
Yay! I got an A in my History of Contemporary Art class!
For all you haters trying to get me to go out instead of studying for tests…ok, well actually you were successful there…but anyway, I am pleased. I got an A+ in my previous Seeing Art class too. Not like that required very much but still, I take what I can get. 
Sorry, had to take a second to brag. Next week begins my History of Modern Art course. Oh how I wasted my time in college.
noooooooooooo
Currently in Jersey to spend Christmas with the extended family.
Came up a day early to go to the Dia:Beacon in Beacon, NY.
Website had incorrect information - Dia:Beacon is actually closed today.
!!!!
ridiculous
You may already be aware of the following, but I was appalled when I learned of this today.
When the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was unveiled to the public, officials “hid” Maya Lin, winner of the memorial design competition. Relegated to the background, she wasn’t permitted to show her presence. Officials feared rejection of the piece if it became widely known that the designer of a memorial to the fallen of a highly controversial Asian war, was an Asian herself.
Had the designer been a white male, he undoubtedly would have been trumpeted in with great fanfare, and asked to give a public speech in commemoration.
I also didn’t realize Well-Known White Male Frederick Hart was commissioned to sculpt a traditional monument of three soldiers nearby, to appease critics of Lin’s work.
What ignorance.
yipee
I am so thrilled. The Edward Hopper exhibit is showing at the National Gallery of Art and I get another chance to see it! I already saw it at the MFA in Boston but was under great pressure to rush through, as I arrived 45 minutes before closing. I merely glanced at Nighthawks, which is so terribly tragic.
Oh good fortune, it is here. But wait, the Jasper Johns exhibit is still running! I didn’t even walk in when I was at the NGA in the summer because I didn’t care (flags? stenciled numbers?). Thanks to good ‘ol art class though, I’m quite taken by Johns now. Some of these artists really follow the most bizarre philosophies, but Johns actually preached one that I understand, and agree with.
So yes, good timing. And…Morris Louis is at the Hirschorn! All in all, it is going to be a fabulous day of fabulousness.
plain white canvas = masterpiece…maybe?
I learned something really interesting in my new art class that I think, will help push me – and perhaps you – to a greater appreciation of modern and contemporary art, regardless of how pointless or strange it may appear.
Vassily Kandinsky observed that when we listen to music, we don’t expect to hear representational sound. Music is organized and mathematical, typically structured around a theme. It is, therefore, unexpected sound. We know we won’t be hearing raindrops falling on a roof, or the chatter of people in a room. We are instead presented with a new creation, revealed in an unfamiliar schema.
Now think about modern/contemporary art. Why do so many, myself included, struggle to enjoy it? Classical art, which most people understand, is merely a representation of what existed, or already exists. Raphael’s Madonnas. John Singleton Copley’s portraits of American colonists. Boudin’s quiet beach scenes. Everyone can follow those.
Really though, we should approach art the way we approach music. Reject the obvious. We already get that by opening our eyes every morning. We should, instead, embrace the unexpected. Revel in the pure joy of seeing something absolutely distinct, something that someone bothered to create for your visual stimulation.
Taking this viewpoint improves the palatability of modern/contemporary art don’t you think?
i’m so proud of myself!!
Not only do I appreciate art, I too can draw it… 
Drew them for friends on FB. Good times on a Wednesday night.
are you really not a pipe?
Made me laugh.
