Though not a museum per se, I think participating in the incredible history associated both with MLK and with adding a new memorial to the Mall count for something.
Today, I continued my museum quest, hitting both the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museuem. Housed in the same building at Gallery Place/Chinatown, the two museums are home to some of my very favorite artwork in D.C. Surprisingly, I spent a lot of time in the modern art exhibit upstairs, looking at pieces that seem quite out of place alongside John Trumbull and Gilbert Stuart portraits of our nation's historic leaders.
Nam June Paik's archives have been donated to the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and what a treasure they are. His exploration into light, sound and moving pictures in art was truly revolutionary.
This sculpture of a woman eating was extremely life-like. Almost too much so. I felt a little odd taking her picture, afraid she might come to life at any moment. Another patron jumped shortly after I'd moved on, swearing he saw her move. Eerie, but also a truly beautiful and thought-provoking work of art.
In the portrait gallery, I was particularly taken with the unfinished quality of this portrait of Gen. John Pershing. It's interesting, each time I visit the National Portrait Gallery, I feel like a new painting or sculpture catches my eye. No matter how long it's been there or how many times I've seen it before, a new piece seems to jump out with each trip to the gallery.
And in honor of the Texas Rangers' return trip to the World Series, a portrait of the great Nolan Ryan, on display in the National Portrait Gallery's "Champions" exhibit. Darn right.
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