Reunited with the San Francisco MOMA

On a wonderfully gloomy drive down to San Francisco, I tried to remember the last time that I visited the SFMOMA. It had been years. I had gone there on a field trip in high school before the renovations. I remember being overwhelmed by the size of the museum. I remember feeling like there would never be enough time for me to feel like I've seen and spent enough time with the art that I wanted to. I will say that feeling remains the same. On the other hand, I felt better equipped to experience the pieces in the museum as both an adult and art historian. On this return voyage, I had context. I had more knowledge about the world that these pieces were made in. I even had more knowledge about some of the people who made these pieces. It felt really good to walk into such a grand museum and feel more confident and connected to the modern and contemporary art world. In this post, I have included a few of my favorite pieces that I saw on my visit. I know that it was totally fine for take photos in the museum but I still had this anxiety that I was going to be tapped on the shoulder and escorted out of the museum so please forgive the lack of quality in the photos. I do wish I was able to get better shots but these get the job done!

Wayne Thiebaud Student (1968)

I feel as a life long resident of Northern California, it is mandatory to know Wayne Thiebaud's works. His work is extremely unique and easily recognizable. It is very obvious that he has a background in cartooning and graphic design when you view his work. Things are always in their place in the composition. Out of all the Thiebaud's in the SFMOMA, this one was my favorite. I love that you can see and feel mundane environment the student is in. It is a great counter to the intensity and actively engaged expression present on her face. Another thing that I really love about Wayne Thiebaud's portraits and still lives is the coloring of slightly blurred edges. It calls to mind the optical effect chromatic aberration seen in some photography. (Chromatic aberration is the effect when a lens does not/can not be focused at a single common point because the difference in wave lengths of light it is trying to capture). It is a nice subtle technique that gives a soft and blurring effect. Sometimes it can be ethereal but in the case of Thiebaud's work, it is subtle enough that you have to be pretty close to the art to see the intricacies of that detail.

David Hockney Shirley Goldfarb + Gregory Masurovsky (1974)

Another painting I enjoyed seeing was David Hockney's Shirley Goldfarb + Gregory Masurovsky. This is a piece that is obviously informed by history. There is reference to Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1 by James Abbott McNeill Whistler in the composition of the woman on the right. I also love when paintings have paintings in them. This painting feels very isolating. Like you have to exist in one room of the painting and one only. I feel wrong when looking away toward the grey room to the left. With the curtain drawn back, it feels like I'm seeing something I shouldn't be seeing. Not because what I am seeing is bad, but that it is personal and I wasn't invited. There is also something kind of haunting about the fact the person depicted is staring in your direction. It feels confrontational. I am more familiar with Hockney's more colorful landscape work and this portrait is a real departure from that. Which I like. A lot. After a little research on the web, I was surprised to find out about David Hockney's writings in the subject of art history. 

Chuck Close Roy I (1994)

Chuck Close Self Portrait (1999)

Viewing the works of Chuck Close were definitely one of my favorite moments during my visit to the SFMOMA. I'm quite a big fan of his work. I really enjoy that he features other artists like Cindy Sherman and Kiki Smith in his works. He is obviously a staple in the contemporary art community. I am sitting here thinking about what I can say to express my admiration and love for his art but I really have nothing articulate or accurate to convey my feelings. I just feel positive and amazed when I look at his work. Seeing it in person is always a great moment in time for me.

Eric Fischl Buried Treasure (1988)

I really love the subdued tones used in this painting. Nothing is too bright or too vibrant. I am also just generally a fan of any piece of art that features dogs. I also like the layering effect of the canvases. It gives the piece a slight 3D presence which is nice.

Kiki Smith Lilith (1994)

Honestly, I love this piece too much. This is a piece that when I got home and was reflecting on my time at the museum, I was left wanting more time with her. She is so haunting and feral but strong and fierce. I love the way the light casts a really strong and imposing shadow on to the wall. It allows her to take up more space. I love the choice to keep the texture raw and rough which adds intensity to the sculpture. This piece was a great gateway into Kiki Smith's work for me.

Richard Serra One Ton Prop (House of Cards) 1986 (FEAT. ME!)