Transfixed By Art

It's been a while since I went to an art museum, especially one that's out of state, however the Milwaukee Art Museum was well worth the 2 hour drive. I had seen photographs of Santiago Calatrava's angelic winged building, but it is only as you approach the soaring stature of translucent quality that you start to tingle with delight at what could be held within. The building is deceivingly small and once inside seems to expand like Dr. Who's tardis, encapsulating a wealth of worldly treasures. Don't be intimidated though, the entire museum (minus the additional fee exhibit) is do able within 3 hours and with natural light whispering into the majority of rooms, museum sickness is at a low. My favorites of the day where all in the contemporary collection and happily all new artists to me. Below is just one of the many personal insights that Tony Oursler gives in "self portait in yellow" (1996). Amusing, hypnotic, seductive and totally vulnerable this doll lies trapped under a turned over chair, sharing his inner thoughts whilst the majority of museum patrons walk through his space oblivious to his presence. Perfect!



Another winner for me was Robert Gober's "untitled" (1997). A black leather suitcase lies open in the middle of the far end of the last room. As I approached my curiosity did not know of the pure and simple joy I was about to experience. As I moved in closer for inspection I realized that there was more to the suitcase than simply that. Another tardis! From the front you look into the suitcase and see a iron grate much like that of a street drain. Once fully around the back of the piece you discover the wonder of the artist... another world lies beneath the floor. I wont say any more, you'll have to see it for yourself. I will admit I smiled like some 5 year old who had just been shown a magic trick that tickled his funny bone.



If there is one art related activity you must choose to do in the mid west, go to the Milwaukee Art Museum... they also have a cafe with real food.