Getting Getty

The day before Hollywood, we spent at The Getty Museum. Can you believe that this was my first time? And I have to say that I was so very moved by the experience and cannot wait to go again. Here's a photo of all of us that we were able to take at a reflective window.

Here's a shot of the breathtaking garden ... a garden referred to as part of The Getty's permanent collection, as it is considered an art object. 

And though Los Angeles would never identify a building as part of its "permanent collection," I thought that the Getty ... not just what is inside but the actual building is in and of itself is an art object that transforms and elevates the city by its very existence. 

We saw so much wonderful art. One unusual thing we saw within the French decorative art section were these objects ... vases from China that the French were known to import and then add on ornate gold handles and embellishments. Isn't that interesting? I mean the idea of altering someone's art by adding something to it ... it has happened throughout history but singularly, the concept is one that would trigger heated objections from modern artists. And it makes me wonder ... is it not art when an art object is taken by another and altered, much like the French did with fine Chinese pottery? Does it dishonor the Chinese artist who made the pot? Or does it simply make that art evolve? Is this a natural part of the evolution of art?

There was also a very cool photo exhibit where photographers' works were displayed in clusters of collections as their essays from their unique point of view. Photos by Lauren Greenfield, author of Girl Culture were particularly interesting. And I think more interesting than the photos in and of themselves is that they exist in a building that also houses impressionist paintings, ancient Chinese pottery that has been tinkered with by the French ... and so many other interesting juxtapositions. 

Mr. Getty. Made his billions from oil. To do so, he must have seen and lived through some gnarly scenes. Because to make so much money from oil is I'm sure a path that is at times wretched.

But in the end, Mr. Getty used his fortunes to create this magnificent gift of art for all. A building that costs nothing to enter. And once inside, a building that reminds us about the power of art, the power of juxtaposition, and the power of our unique points of view. And that in the end, there is nothing but art.

Mr. Getty knew that. 

Comments

[Donna]

I really like your family portrait taken in the reflective surface, you'll never wonder where that shot was taken. Hmm... I am adding the Getty Museum to my list of places to visit, fascinating!

The French alteration of the Chinese pottery, will likely raise more questions than it answers. I suppose once the French bought the pottery it was theirs to alter in any chosen way. I'd love to see those pieces without additions because I find all that gold distracting.

I wonder what photographers of the past would think of old portraits being used in altered art pieces by assemblage artists today? Guess we'll never know.

[Kelly]

Really interesting what you say about the French adding to the Chinese artwork and the evolution of art. Isn't that what's truly happening today with all the "found objects," and like Donna says all the old photographs, being incorporated into mixed media art?

This also brought back an old memory. When I was in high school, our marching band was chosen to film a Getty Oil commercial, and we are in Florida, where there never have been any Getty Oil stations! We spent three grueling days marching up and down San Jose Blvd with the BP station revamped as a Getty Oil station. It would be fun to try to find that commerical on You Tube...

[Candylei]

So touching that the museum is free. That really says alot in itself! And the gardens...the parterre. Wow!

[Sid]

Never been but would love to go !!

[Zoe Pittman]

I love your Dress!!!! Where did you get it? It looks like you made it :) ??

[Deborah Boschert]

I love the Getty. I can't wait to go back. From the moment you get on the tram, it's a feast -- in every way. We took a great docent led tour when we were there. My kids asked tons of questions (then about 7 and 10) and the docent answered them so thoughtfully and respectfully.

[Alison Gibbs]

Sounds like The Getty Museum has some amazing pieces. How fabulous the combination of Chinese/French vases are.
Alison

[Shawn/Lifeatbuttercupfarm]

We both had museum exhibits on our minds yesterday (I posted about my visit to see "Mona" in Paris last month). I get jazzed when art inspires a good conversation as you have outlined above when writing about the "altered art" experience.