New York---October 2007

Just a quick recommendation on the Julie Heffernan exhibit currently on view at PPOW in Chelsea. In some ways, it's more of the same...there aren't any real surprises, but since I get a kick out of her work, I'm okay with that. There is some variation on the background---in one a figure looms behind the "self-portrait", which created an interesting juxtipostion. And dang, the girl can paint!

If I remember correctly, this one is titled "Men in Power" and one of the "men" in the little portraits is Condalezza Rice. I got a little chuckle there---in part because I wasn't expecting it.

Mary and I finally took the time, and the long, bumpy bus ride to visit the Cloisters at Fort Thomas Park....and I'm pleased to say it was worth it! The Unicorn Tapestries....just delicious.

The Merode Altarpiece is in a small room, and lordy, what an impact! I think it could hold a room 5 times the size. The color is so intensely beautiful...it's one of those paintings that give you a lump in your throat, and you feel yourself being drawn back to it when you try to move on.

The Age of Rembrandt at the Met was crowded, and a bit of a yawn, as it was primarily work from the Met's own collection. Though it's always a treat to see Vermeer, and I do like Rembrandt, you just couldn't get close to them for the crowds. The new Greek and Roman galleries are very nice, and I'd never gone through the Etruscan gallery before. There was an Ab Ex show that was kind of nice to see, though it was primarily from the permanent collection...but after years of looking at them, I've been taking a break for a few years, and I'm pleased to say I was able to look with fresh eyes. The Neo Rauch (sp?) show---you know, it was charming in it's way, but kind of slip shod in other ways---and I can't remember it very well now that it's been a week ago. But, boy that Merode Altarpiece is probably drowning out those images anyway....