Never Twice the Same

Three Squares Gyratory (1971) by George Rickey, with the Getty Museum in the background.

Why do I so love visiting museums, art galleries, and botanic gardens?

The easy answer would be that I like looking a beautiful objects. That's true, but there's more to my adoration. Perhaps, it's about change. The concept is pretty easy to grasp when you think about the gardens; each month has a different set of flowers, different colors, and different scents. Although it's the exact same place that I might have visited a few weeks back, the subtle changes make for a vivid new experience.

Likewise, the way in which art galleries cycle through exhibits, it requires effort to see the same show twice. Yet, with most museums, asides from temporary exhibitions, the collection doesn't really change. So, why do I get such a thrill from visiting and revisiting such venues?

Detail of Dancer Taking a Bow (1877) by Edgar Degas


Because I and my circumstances change, the cultural venues speak to me in different ways, capture my imagination afresh with novel insights. My moods and interests shift from day to day, week to week, altering me in subtle but significant manners. Just as the changing of flowers makes it so that a botanical garden is never twice the same, so too is it that my personal changes make each viewing of a stable museum collection a unique experience.

Abstractions of the Modern Garden

Two views of Button Flower (1959) by Alexander Calder


For months, I have intended to visit the Franklin D. Murphy sculpture garden at UCLA. It was back when I was writing up my post on the works of Alexander Calder. I wanted a good photo of Button Flower, but couldn't find one. It needs to be shot from multiple directions to effectively capture the spatial relationships of the work.

"Why don't I just swing over there and snap a photo myself?" I thought. "I'm always at the Hammer. And I could use the exercise of a good long stroll."

Yeah, believe me. That's one heck of a "good long stroll." I think it's uphill both coming and going. ;-)

Well, hike accomplished and photos taken. I didn't stop with just the Calder shots, but wandered around snapping away. There are so many fine works from which to choose, but here are a few of my favorites.

Cubi XX (1964) by David Smith

Yeah, the collection is heavy on the abstracts, but that's fine by me. Even after the huge David Smith show at LACMA, I still can't get enough of these Cubi constructs.

Those Wacky Whirligigs

Hello, Girls (1964) by Alexander Calder

I'm a bit surprised and amused that Google decided to dedicate their doodle to celebrating the 113th birth date of the sculptor Alexander Calder. He's not exactly a household name nor was he an incredible innovator that decidedly improved the human condition nor was his work accepted into mainstream popular culture. But, if Pac-Man can get a Google nod, then why can't Calder?

Personally. my feelings about Calder have gone from scorn to light-hearted acceptance. When I was in college, I would walk past Calder's Gallows and Lollipops on a nearly daily basis. I freakin' hated it! It was a garish eyesore! However, looking back at my animosity, I realize that my dislike for the work was how it stood out from its surroundings, not any intrinsic quality. It's actually an interesting work of art.



Gallows and Lollipops (1960) by Alexander Calder


I've seen many other Calder pieces at numerous museums over the years, but my feelings towards him changed relatively recently. I was hanging out in the LACMA sculpture garden with a friend, sitting by Hello, Girls. The day was mild and pleasant. I was in a laid back mood. And I took notice of the complex and enchanting movements of the sculpture, reflecting in the water and framed by palm trees above. It was a surprisingly beautiful moment, kind of transcendent.