There were several spots in the newly restored wing of the Phoenix Art Museum where the art was big and bold in the way it was displayed. This scene greeted me as I entered the gallery. The painting on the right is by the native American artist Fritz Scholder. It's called "Posing Indian with Headdress". The sculpture on the left was new to me. It's by Virgil Ortiz and it's called "Po' Pay".
Around another corner was this "ofrenda" created by Amelia Mesa-Bains. This one is called "Queen of the Waters, Mother of the Land of the Dead". The artist says it's an offering to the mother goddesses of three cultures, Mexican, Spanish and West African. That is real potpourri on the floor around the alter and it sent up a sweet smell that envelopes you the minute you enter this gallery.
A third bold statement was made when I rounded another corner and saw this display. The center sculpture is by artist Carlos Alberto Estevez Carasa and it's called "Across the Universe".
I found all of these bold exhibits to be fascinating and imaginative. They blended well with the European Art pieces created hundreds of years ago.
6 comments:
The red sculpture is my favourite in this collection.
Another reason to come back to Phoenix.
I love to see that Indian art goes contemporary but keeps its traditions.
Wonderful pieces, Sharon.
The mix of modern, cultural, and European art makes it feel like the museum is telling a story across time and place.
Very interesting! I like the crucifix-like piece with wings, as well as the big read head.
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