natalini 1/25/21 natalini 1/25/21

The Barnes Foundation

Once upon a time in the quaint area of Merion, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia, Albert C Barnes, a doctor who co-created Argyrol, (see definition below) became an avid art collector in 1912. Ten years later, Dr. Barnes established an educational institute focusing on fine art and arboriculture that would become the start a cherished legacy.

Fast forward past a ton of drama to today with an amassed collection of 4,000 pieces and an estimated worth of $25 billion and an open door policy that violates the last wishes of Dr. Barnes. Phew, it is quite an interesting story with a lot of twists and turns. The best way to understand and appreciate the history of Dr. Barnes’ journey is to watch the documentary “The Art of the Steal.” Definitely watch this before visiting The Barnes Foundation. Without going into all of the long details of the story, I will say that Dr. Barnes’ art collection created controversy throughout the established art world. On multiple occasions he submitted his collections to be displayed at prominent art museums around the world and was met with mass rejection. Dr. Barnes was later credited with introducing the works of the great, Henri Mattise, Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani to America. Rejection was followed by the word, “obscene,” used to describe his collections as critics tarnished his taste in art curation.

Dr. Barnes welcomed the everyday person with a passion for art and nature to attend his school and view his collections. Teachers, parents, plumbers, students and first responders were members of the Barnes Foundation. Art critics, museum executives and reporters were not permitted access to the original Barnes Foundation.

A sense of dread came over me when I found out that The Barnes Foundation was moving to the Parkway in Philadelphia. I had already watched the documentary “The Art of the Steal,” so I understood how Dr. Barnes did not want the established art world—especially Philadelphia and New York—to get their hands on the very works they rejected so long ago.

After a tough inner battle, I decided to visit The Barnes Foundation in its new home. I will say that I was relieved to know that the museum placed each and every piece in the exact location as it was in the original Barnes Foundation. As I wandered the brilliantly curated rooms, I realized that had I lived in those early days of the Barnes Foundation, I would have been invited to attend classes and enjoy the collections as an art lover. This was the only thought that could ease my guilty conscience for violating a respected man’s last wishes. I then decided to feel gratitude for Dr. Barnes creative intuition and I thanked him (silently) throughout my tour.

While standing still and studying each piece, I had the urge to pan around the room. There was a common thread or similarity throughout each room while the paintings and artifacts were from differing time periods and countries—they all spoke the same language. I have never felt that in all of my museum going years. I could almost hear the creations chatting amongst themselves.

The Barnes Foundation is a perfect example of irony at its best with a once obscene and offensive curation becoming a treasured collection. I highly recommend taking a tour of this perfectly curated collection of art.

The long made point of this entire story is to trust in your own instincts and attempt curating your own collections that speak to you and the story of your adventures. Move art around until it makes you feel like it’s alive and communicating all around you.

Argyrol is an antiseptic compound to protect newborns from contracting venereal diseases at birth.

natalini 6/2/14 natalini 6/2/14

Wherefore Art be so...

SUBJECTABLE?

Galleries, museums, exhibitions, showcases, curation, current, chosen, dated, don'ts, faux pas, cliché... Opinion is personal assessment based on preference dictated by human wiring to procreate something better. This boils down to geometry. People, furniture, cars, architecture, music, art, fashion, jewelry are all reduced to geometry and the progression of getting better through time.

Who dictates what qualifies as any labeled substance? Instinct and personal style should have the first and final say in how to communicate a visual message. Individuality stands the test of time regardless of color, shape, or material. Discover the desire and choose visuals that communicate the message of an inspired soul.

Celebrate variety and the evolution of personal style regardless of who "likes" it.

natalini 4/10/14 natalini 4/10/14

INSPIRALED

Spiraling steel cascades endlessly down and around forming twists and curves of intrigue. The eye and the imagination are led to fill in the spatial blanks where the alluring lines leave off.

Architect Frank Gehry, is in love with spiraling elements and natalini is in love with Gehry. His work is in constant motion and at times surreal. Gehry has managed to combine imagination, sculpture and innovative engineering into habitable spaces. One example is the staircase at the AGO Museum in Toronto, which is a captivating addition to the historical building. Some protested that its extreme aesthetic would destroy the character of the classic structure. Gehry gracefully created a vision that was woven through the original bones of the museum. The AGO Museum is a beautiful display of structure and materials working well together and is reflective of the eclectic curation of art that adorns the interior of the museum.

natalini is grateful to Frank Gehry for his "inspirlation" and his anything is possible if imagined approach to architecture. We are also keeping tabs on his "lower lair" addition to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and would love to one day have dinner with His Brilliance.

Grazie mile.