Feathered Gowns, Glowing Sheep, and Alcoholic Curators
Today I took some time off from work to catch the Italian fashion exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. It closes Sunday and has been wildly popular, so if I was going to squeeze in this particular bit of culture, it was now or never. The logistics of getting there in the midst of our arctic cold spell and dealing with parking and crowds was a pain in the ass, but the outing was definitely worth it. And although the Italian fashion exhibit was amazing, it turned out to not even be the main attraction.
I love clothes, but know almost nothing about designer fashion. Oh, I can converse at length about Target brands, but that's where my fashion expertise ends. So I mostly just wandered around the galleries, trying not to bump into anyone while admiring the pretty dresses. And there were very, very pretty dresses on display. It's hard to imagine a reality where I would ever don such an elaborate dress bedazzled with feathers or jewels or sequins or lace. (It would definitely have to be a much warmer reality. Right now any gown I could wear would have to make magic with flannel and fleece).
So I'm not sure I really learned anything about Italian fashion, but I was definitely reminded of how really amazing the MIA is. I just spent a little time wandering through it today, but am definitely inspired to make more time to visit it in the near future. (Perhaps this can even be a resolution for 2015. How timely!). I feel like I did after I explored the trail by the Mississippi this summer and realized I'd been missing out on so much awesomeness so close to home. (My MIA visit today also inspired me to go on a Modcloth shopping spree--they are having a 50% off sale after all--and Modcloth is as close as I need to come to a personal fashion couture experience.)
My most intriguing discovery at the MIA today was this piece from the "Delta Delta Delta Force" exhibit by artist Andy Messerschmidt. I have no idea what it means, but it has a glowing sheep and green hands, so of course, is amazing. I was lucky to even see it, as the exhibit technically ended a couple of days ago (they must still be taking it down). The artist has been featured at other local galleries so hopefully I will be able to catch his work again.
I was also amazed to learn that a curator from the MIA mysteriously disappeared in 1954. What?! This case of Barton Kestle is compellingly captured by a "period room" recreation of Kestle's office, complete with an impressive portable bar. I was both envious of and slightly depressed by this bar.
Another highlight was the "The Nature of Nature" exhibits. I cruised through these, so luckily for me it's on display through 2016. I also wanted to check out "The Art of Murder" and will have to put that on my to-see list.
Sadly, my phone battery was almost dead, so I didn't get to take many photos. I like to take photos at museum not just to share on Facebook, but to remind me of all the cool and interesting things I've learned. So, watch out MIA, I'll be back...armed with a charged phone to soak up the ambiance of your coolness and be moved by your art and to improve my skills of dodging children and old ladies.
I love clothes, but know almost nothing about designer fashion. Oh, I can converse at length about Target brands, but that's where my fashion expertise ends. So I mostly just wandered around the galleries, trying not to bump into anyone while admiring the pretty dresses. And there were very, very pretty dresses on display. It's hard to imagine a reality where I would ever don such an elaborate dress bedazzled with feathers or jewels or sequins or lace. (It would definitely have to be a much warmer reality. Right now any gown I could wear would have to make magic with flannel and fleece).
So I'm not sure I really learned anything about Italian fashion, but I was definitely reminded of how really amazing the MIA is. I just spent a little time wandering through it today, but am definitely inspired to make more time to visit it in the near future. (Perhaps this can even be a resolution for 2015. How timely!). I feel like I did after I explored the trail by the Mississippi this summer and realized I'd been missing out on so much awesomeness so close to home. (My MIA visit today also inspired me to go on a Modcloth shopping spree--they are having a 50% off sale after all--and Modcloth is as close as I need to come to a personal fashion couture experience.)
My most intriguing discovery at the MIA today was this piece from the "Delta Delta Delta Force" exhibit by artist Andy Messerschmidt. I have no idea what it means, but it has a glowing sheep and green hands, so of course, is amazing. I was lucky to even see it, as the exhibit technically ended a couple of days ago (they must still be taking it down). The artist has been featured at other local galleries so hopefully I will be able to catch his work again.Another highlight was the "The Nature of Nature" exhibits. I cruised through these, so luckily for me it's on display through 2016. I also wanted to check out "The Art of Murder" and will have to put that on my to-see list.
Sadly, my phone battery was almost dead, so I didn't get to take many photos. I like to take photos at museum not just to share on Facebook, but to remind me of all the cool and interesting things I've learned. So, watch out MIA, I'll be back...armed with a charged phone to soak up the ambiance of your coolness and be moved by your art and to improve my skills of dodging children and old ladies.
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