Saturday, April 9, 2016

City Views, Country Dreams

Good afternoon from New York.

It's a grey and rainy day, with a chill that required me to don my down-filled coat to do this morning's neighborhood errand run.

Yesterday was just a little warmer, but still rather grim for April.  I thought it was a good opportunity to see some city views over on Fifth Avenue.  The flagship MUJI shop is just across the Avenue from the Library (where those festive holiday parties take place in early December.)


There is a current display just inside the MUJI entrance that recreates Tokyo from artfully combined merchandise one may purchase at the shop.


If any of you all happen to find yourselves in the area, please stop by and see this wonder.  It will amuse folks of all ages.  For those of you whose homes are more distant, you may wish to click on the MUJI link above to see some professional photographs of this wonder.


The translucent quality of the containers used for many of the building blocks give a certain mystery to the overall effect.  The above photograph shows a overhead view of just a small part of this very large cityscape.

The photograph below shows what I saw as I exited the shop onto Fifth Avenue.  In the overcast daylight, I thought the buildings in the background had a certain resemblance to those translucent boxes.


My main destination was another place with a four-letter name, MOMA, or more formally, The Museum of Modern Art.  I wanted to see the exhibit, Edgar Degas: A Strange New Beauty, that focuses on Degas' printmaking, primarily his monotypes.

In the MOMA lobby I passed by a series of framed works that attracted my eyes, but not my Degas-bound feet.  I neglected to discover the name of the artist.  


Perhaps one of you all might recognize whose work this is?


The identity is not revealed in the current MOMA Member Calendar, and I wasn't able to satisfy my curiosity via a search of the museum website either.  I'll find out who done it on my next visit.


I was surprised to find the Degas show rather crowded.  Most of the works on display are small, and the galleries' lighting is low to protect the pictures...and so, I did not linger as long as I had planned.  When I was attempting to learn how to create etchings and dry point prints, I never tried monotype printing, although some artists who used the same print workshop created wonderful imagery with this technique.


Leaving the exhibit, I rode the down escalator from floor to floor, and curiously peered over the protective railing that gives an overhead view of the huge second floor atrium space that's used for intriguing installations.


I continued to take a look at the atrium from each floor as I got closer to see what was going on.


It became clear that museum visitors were not allowed access to the main atrium space, which was dominated by a series of video screens on which a hand seemed to be drawing a pathway on various parts of a map.


Closer still.  I intentionally did not make note whether photography was allowed, and took a few photographs at atrium level.


The security personnel did not stop me.  If you click on the MOMA link I made available above, you can learn a bit more about Bouchra Khalili and this installation's genesis.


Back home, I knit a few more rows on my current fair isle project, and played around with colored pencils and some graph paper to plan some motifs for another project.  I also had a cup of tea (too late for lunch) and made some delicious pasta sauce for a very hearty supper. 


I am thoroughly enjoying exploring each day of my retirement.  My 2015 tax forms and payments have been mailed.  I read two books last week, and have four more waiting for me.

While the weather is still cool, I also plan on doing some baking.  Scheduling is underway so that I will be seeing more friends.  I bought two new watercolor brushes and have been doing some sketching.

I truly appreciate all your visits to my previous Easter Parade post, and the kind words regarding my retirement.  It's been grand to see comments left by new visitors.  Thank you all very much.

39 comments:

  1. Hello Frances, how great to see that you appreciate immediately your retirement. My EG took some time to adjust but then, he is a man ;-). I think we have always something 'handy' to quickly do or imagine. As always, I am impressed by your knitting skills.

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    1. Yes, Bayou, this transition is a rather smooth one, perhaps because I had previously sort of "down-sized" my work week from unlimited hours while a manager, to four days, to three days. I'd been rehearsing! xo

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  2. Oh isn't the MUJI display just beautiful?
    I am so glad that you are enjoying your retirement so far.
    Hugs from The UK-x-

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    1. A shop employee told me that the cityscape was created by a team who worked eight hours straight overnight. I would like to have seen that happening! xo

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    2. I can well believe it took that long to build the display. I used to work as a Display Co-ordinator designing and building seasonal displays in a garden centre. I used to spend all summer building display props and painting scenery and backdrops for Christmas which took up 85% of my time. The rest of the time was dressing the summer garden furniture. I loved it.
      Hugs from The UK-x-

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    3. Sheila, thank you for this reply. I am glad to know a bit more about your talents. There is definitely a lot of art evident in excellent retail merchandising displays.
      As you might realize by now, I think that Bergdorf Goodman is the champion of NYC window displays. No other shop comes even close.
      That's what really appealed to me about the Tokyo city scape that clever MUJI folks had designed. It really blended art and commerce so well.
      xo

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  3. I see you are using your newly found freedom wisely!

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    1. Oh Elizabeth, this is just the beginning. As you advised, retirement is great!
      See you soon. xo

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  4. Isn't it great to have the freedom to do as you like rather than having to rush about or fit things in? To sit and read a book without the feeling that time is creeping up on you and you should be getting on with yet another job - such enjoyment to just 'be'.
    Now that the summer season of tourists/visitors to my county of Cornwall is upon us, I shall once more enjoy wandering in and out of the many art galleries with paintings by mainly local artists of the sea, sands and streets of this beautiful county. My dog is always with me, so towns and large galleries aren't on our agenda, but the small galleries that abound in every coastal village are ideal, where Zac will quite happily snooze outside the door while I wander around the paintings.

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    1. Rambler, I am looking forward to seeing the pictures that you'll be taking around beautiful Cornwall (a part of the UK that I've yet to visit.) Best wishes to you and Zac. xo

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  5. You are using your retirement time in such interesting ways, Frances. Looking at the MUJI display makes me realise how shops have changed in the last 50 years. Nothing is considered impossible or out of the ordinary any more. We used to gaze at the Liberty windows in London, but nowadays there are far more amazing scenes.

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    1. Elizabeth, not every shop is creative in their displays. There is also a current trend just to put a very large photograph (from an advertising campaign) in the shop window. Apparently the idea is to reinforce "branding." Seem also less creative and possibly less expensive. Less interesting to my eyes, too. xo

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  6. I have come across the mapping project in London a few years ago. I believe it was started in 2008 and traces journeys and stories of migrants across Europe from the Middle Eastern countries. It was ahead of its time. It is an exhibition that has travelled widely.

    The unidentified works in the Lobby remind me of Christopher Wool but as there is no text works amongst these I doubt perhaps that it is him afterall.

    The MUJI display is wonderful for a shop and not something I would see here unless perhaps if I went to London.

    Thank you Frances for photographing everything you saw. The weather looks almost as cold as here.

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    1. Rachel, I thought of you when I took quite a few of these photographs. I am glad to give you a glimpse of what I saw during one afternoon.
      It's good that the Mapping Project is still traveling and attracting attention.
      xo

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  7. Your Fair isle knitting is wonderful; what patience.

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    1. It is great fun to play with colors, loop by loop. Only two colors are in play on each row.

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  8. What fun you have Frances. Love the tour. I know nothing about printmaking - it is Greek to me. But, I do know that the prints you have knitted on the pic above are absolutely gorgeous.

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    1. Thank you, Donna.
      It's funny how sometimes I actually have dreams that I think influence my knitting...or perhaps it's the knitting that influence the dreams.
      xo

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  9. It really does sound as though you are making the most of your time Frances. Your knitting is looking so pretty.

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  10. Thank you, Gina. I am enjoying experimenting with each day's prospects. Earlier today, I baked my first post-retirement cookies, and walked them over to my former workmates as a thank you for the brilliant send off they gave me. It was good to trade hugs with everyone.

    I have another art project planned for later this evening ... a birthday card to be mailed tomorrow.

    As always, knitting is a pleasure, too. xo

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  11. Hello Frances,
    I have been enjoying your posts as a new retiree. Knew you would love it and so you are. MOMA has been showing some rather off the wall (to me) exhibits recently. But I guess that is their role. Just caught your reply to the lovely " Bloggiste" (?) Carol Gillott and must agree with you about Barbie. Dans une musee? Oh well, it is une musee des Poupees, bien sur.
    Hope that Spring arrives, once and for all, soon in New York. It's lovely here. Cheers,
    Diane in Denver

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    1. Thanks so much for your comment, Diane. It's always fun to visit MOMA. Having a member's card is good because I can just pop in and see one show, sometimes one of the conceptual shows, an artist's work that is new to me. Then I can think about it a while, and perhaps even return for another look.
      (Glad that you agree about those Barbie dolls. Carol is a delight. I am fortunate to have met her while she was still living over here.)
      Very cold here yesterday morning, but things are getting a bit warmer...with showers, of course. xo

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  12. I love going to MOMA. I haven't being in years, I just live too far away.
    Adore Muji and what a fun project and how exciting to see what you did when you walked out the door. The photo was lovely.
    Thank You for all the views of your afternoon. You live in a very exciting place.

    cheers, parsnip and thehamish

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    1. I appreciate your comment so much...MOMA is a great place to stimulate your eye and often challenge your preconceptions. Ages ago, I worked as an archivist at the Metropolitan Museum or ... The MET as it now wishes to call itself. It was amazing to be able to wander around the galleries during breaks, and to have some access to spaces behind the scenes.
      xo

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  13. I so miss NYC, my childhood home, sometimes. Re-Exploring the city through your lens and type is wonderful.

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    1. I am going to try to post more frequently. I'm so glad that my blogs help keep you connected a bit with NYC. xo

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  14. Hello, Frances! It seems to me that you feel great - busy again, but with things that bring you joy and delight! No following the clock, no hurrying or worrying.:) You are a master of these complicated weaved designs - I like everything you knit!
    It must have been really amusing to see the MUJI display. Recreating Tokyo with goodies that one can buy in the store is intriguing! I watched the video in the link you've shared, thank you!
    Wishing you more sunny days soon!xx

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    1. Rossichka, even the days with April showers can be fun...good days for drawing, painting, reading, ...knitting. Even visiting museum.
      I thought you would enjoy seeing the MUJI construction. Thinking outside the box! xo

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  15. Retirement is wonderful if you embrace it but keep doing things with people. I have now had thirty years of retirement and have enjoyed it all.

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    1. You are absolutely correct! I'm enjoying exploring the mix of my stay at home creative solitude and getting out and about to meet friends and engage with the big city. It's grand to have more opportunities for long walks, too.
      xo

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  16. This sounds like the perfect day. What a lovely routine you are in already. Thank you so much for sharing the MoMA exhibits, I enjoyed your photographs. Exhibitions in London are generally so crowded that unless it is something I am desperate to see I tend not to bother preferring to visit smaller and sometimes better curated exhibitions out of town.

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    1. Sarah, I hope to show you all many more views of what's going on over here. It's rather wonderful to have freedom to create each day's progress.
      I know what you mean about being a bit turned off by museum crowds. One of the joys of The Metropolitan Museum of Art (where I once was an archivist) is that there will always be some galleries full of beautiful art that do not attract crowds.
      Yes, there are so many wonderful galleries and museums outside of the large cities of the UK. My last treat was visiting Kettle's Yard with a UK artist friend, Celia Hart.
      xo

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  17. Hi Frances,

    Your photo's always make me want to go to NY. Such a shame the Degas exhibit at the MOMA was crowded. When there is a major exhibit, it's often the case in The Netherlands as well. Especially during the weekend.

    It's good to read that you are busy and enjoying your retirement!

    Have a good week!

    Madelief x

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    1. Madelief, this is a lovely time of the year to visit NYC.
      I'll be sure to re-visit the Degas show at least once or twice. My usual way of looking at exhibits is to sort of take a walk through to acquaint myself with what is included, and then, to decide whether to retrace my steps to have just one more look, or ...to plan a return visit.
      Some years ago, MOMA had a marvelous Bonnard exhibit. I loved it so much, i cannot tell you just how many times I visited. Well into double digits!
      Oh yes, retirement is a very agreeable state of mind, body and attitude. xo

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  18. You are making the most of your retirement and we are reaping the benefits! Thank you for the wonderful pictures!

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    1. Thanks so much, Vicki. I've taken some more photographs recently, and will soon have a new post. xo

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  19. Always very interesting your photoes with them I also can visit MOMA museum with you!!Also here in Italia return a little chilly but spring is so near!!Happy day full of nice things to do I can read

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    1. Gabri, it's lovely to know that my little blog is being followed in beautiful Italy. Thank you for commenting! xo

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  20. I do envy your proximity to MOMA. Years ago I visited the Musee D'Orsay in Paris and I remember the Degas exhibition well - partly for the fact that it took several minutes to adjust to the low light levels!

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