A day in art, with art.

Today I, and three of my buddies, went to the Milwaukee Art Museum. It is an amazing building and the building itself is the most amazing piece of art.

The structure was designed by Santiago Calatrava and I applaud the City of Milwaukee for its decision to make this commitment to the arts. If you want to see a pictures of the space go to my pictures of the day for 03/01/2014.

The exhibit we went to see was the Uncommon Folk: Traditions in American Folk Art. As you might remember from my blog post back on Jan. 17. 2014, I really love Folk Art.

This exhibit was more than I could have imagined. It was curated perfectly; intimate groupings arranged by theme, and truly a cross-section of the sublime to the hilarious. The soul of each of the works was laid bare with the honesty with which it was made, and there were no bounds to the media or methodology!

---

Some reflected the politics of the times... from Washington through this whirligig of Teddy Roosevelt, circa 1910, to memorials to Kennedy.

Many reflected the social mores or disparity of the times in which they were created. This is one of a pair of black figures from 1880.

Others were pure whimsy that used animals as subject matter as this spotted pig by Felipe Archuleta, 1975.

Many of the objects and images had sacred roots. This depiction of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (above) was wonderful... who wouldn't be yelling "LOOK LOOK" if the witnesses a miracle!

Upper right is one of a series of sculptures depicting the Fall of Man. This is a close up of "Original Sin" which lead to the expulsion from the garden of Eden. Edgar  Tolson, 1969.

Bottom right and below: a Madonna and Child by John W. Perates, 1940.

The Exhibit and the Museum are both well worth your time. If you can make it - don't hesitate. Enjoy, be in awe, giggle, and sigh.