As I mentioned in an earlier post I visited the Philbrook Museum of Art on Thursday, August 28th. I wanted to go into a little more detail about some particular aspects of the exhibits.
First, the focus on indigenous or First Nations artists is laudable. And the diversity of those works is impressive. It’s not all just southwestern plains people paintings. There are some very modern pieces and some pieces that would remind you of French Impressionists. Also, the collection of pottery on the lower level is just stunning.
What really caught my attention was the exhibit entitled, “Japanisme.” It detailed the fascination of European painters in the late 19th century with Japanese painting, especially interested were the Impressionists. I had no idea that was the case before I saw this exhibit. This was a revelational moment in my sabbatical museum visits — which I have intentionally focused on French Impressionism. I had no idea that French Impressionists had visited Japan or seen works from its painters, or borrowed from its styles. The exhibit brought some new insights that shifted my perspective.
One of the best instances of this Japanese influence was highlighted with two paintings from American painters, Wuilliam Edouard Scoot and Frederick Carl Fieseke. Here is the interpretive sign and the two paintings.
While neither identified as impressionist you can see the influence of impressionism, but with a nod to Japan in these paintings. Revelational. I am not sure where this learning is headed, but, it is a learning point.
More later,
Jerry
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