December is the month of review. How might I review a year like 2023? It is a volatile and uncertain world with wars raging, the climate in crisis, inequality worsening, and unstable economy. So, why art and creativity? For me, you have to design your one life with good friendships, choose love, and seek beauty. In spite of it all. I feel fortunate to continue to see beautiful art and believe museums can be a salve for hardship. I have firmly held belief we can learn new ways of doing and being through the artistic process and in particular, humor. This week’s dispatch rummages through some intriguing highlights including a Monty Python quip and another major art theft - this time - the materials itself!
I had a chance to see quite a few of the exhibits featured here in The Art Newspaper. I don’t necessarily agree with their evaluation of the Picasso celebration with Paul Smith. Some of the galleries were distracting, but the collection itself was remarkable to see together. Faith Ringgold was a stunner of an exhibit. And Manet, well Manet was the artist of the year for me. His command of his palette and representation of the human form won out.
Anslem Kiefer and stolen materials! I had a chance to see Kiefer’s installation at The Pantheon in Paris and his sculptures are massive. I never thought the thieves would go after the material itself. Then again, the largest art theft in history was a Henry Moore sculpture chainsawed in pieces and melted down for the bronze.
Museums and Societal Collapse: The Museum as Lifeboat
Looking forward to digging in deep into this text when the library gets their copy. A collapse scenario is often used in strategic foresight modeling. I think it is interesting that this author leverages museums as a possible “solution” in societal collapse. Sci-Fi Museums, sign me up.Comedic Relief: Monty Python Art Strike
Thanks to my friend Emily for sending me this gem of a Monthy Python just in time for the Broadway revival of Spamalot.
Faith Ringgold close up of truth and storytelling at the Picasso Museum, Paris. April 2023. 
The Art Newspaper said it was a “turkey” exhibit. Picasso’s genius in maquettes were still incredible despite the paint colors on the walls.
