Cindy Sherman at the DMA

I have studied Cindy Sherman in photography and art classes, but this was the first time I had ever seen any of her photographs up close and personal. And let me tell you I can't stress "personal" enough. I'm not very impressed by artists who try to base their work off of "shock value" because most of the time, it's not really shocking rather than more or less of what you would expect.

It seems that Cindy Sherman spends a fair amount of time trying to incorporate weird, crazy aspects into her pieces; sometimes it works for me, sometimes it really doesn't. So, I wasn't really sure how to feel about her. I still don't think I know.

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Don't get me wrong, I love anything that is in puppet or doll form, but I just can't wrap my head around how and why she has used them in such a way. However, a little mystery never hurt anyone and I love an untold story. Maybe that's what makes the image above (and many others of the same nature) so intriguing to me. It's as if I'm witnessing a crime happening right infront of me. Is that what she wanted? I don't know... I still don't know. I just can't right now. 

The Cindy Sherman exhibit is so massive that there are plenty of other pieces to see without feeling offended or confused. A part from feeling slightly violated by the collection of similar works above, I quite liked the rest of her photos. 

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Here's why I'm leaning towards liking this artist: I spent so much time looking at her photos in the exhibit--yes, pondering what the photos were saying, but even more so asking myself, "Who is Cindy Sherman?" I think I also liked the fact that none of her images were titled. When you are shooting photographs, especially those that are staged, every detail has a purpose. Obviously she took these stills for a reason and an intended message. 

Why do we need to know her intent? 

Whatever your notion (if you have one) of Cindy Sherman's intent for her work, I think this exhibition is one worth seeing. Expect to see interesting rather than attractive subject matter. 

The Dallas Museum of Art is currently exhibiting works by Cindy Sherman until June 9 of this year.

P.S. Why wouldn't we want to see James Franco pose as Cindy Sherman?

Chagall at the DMA

The Dallas Museum of Art is currently holding an exhibition of his work until May 26 called Chagall: Beyond Color. It features pieces starting from early in his art career to the maturity he developed later on through theatre projects as well as more traditional mediums. The following images are pieces that are in the exhibit. Unfortunately, I couldn't take any photos of the paintings/costumes in the museum so I took note of the ones that stood out most to me and am including them now.

The Newspaper Seller 1914

Sketch for Feast Day 1914

Nude of Vitebsk

Between Darkness and Night

As an artist, I like to see detail in the texture of paintings. This means getting close, crouching down to view various angles of the work, and making the guards (and boyfriend) very nervous in the meantime. I enjoyed being able to absorb the varying weights, thickness, and texture of applied paint. I hate to say it, but digital copies of his paintings don't really compare to seeing them in person. The richness of color in each is captivating and thoughtfully composed. 

Also, this guy really likes goats. And half-goat men. 

I and the Villiage

Love, Nature, Music

Or any animal+human form I guess.

Before the visit to the museum I wasn't aware that Chagall designed costumes and backdrops for theater. Those in charge of curating and setting up the costumes within the exhibit did a thoughtful job on its presentation, creating a truly haunting yet very attractive stage for Chagall and his phantom dancers.

Costume 1

This three dimensional showcase of the costumes and backdrop was my absolute favorite part of the experience. As a former dancer I feel that I weirdly related to the dancers that once filled the costumes. It made me feel sad that they weren't on the museum's stage, filling the costumes that are now yellowing with age.

Costume 2

Costume 3

My former dance instructor is the artistic director of Elle Danceworks who are also affiliated with my current school, The University of Texas at Dallas. In honor of the series of Chagall paintings, the company will be performing choreography commemorating the artist. Find out  more information here.

Later, I will be talking about the Cindy Sherman exhibit that is also being featured at the DMA. Stay tuned!