Absolutely, without a doubt, my favorite place in all of the Twin Cities. It is the place where I have most connected with the concept of art and imagined what vision and life the artist held as they created so many lovely things. It is where I first realized that I am an artist, illustrating my own view of the world with my camera and design. I find myself there often, sometimes with my children, sometimes by myself, simply wandering… checking on my favorite pieces - like members of my own family.
I encourage you to click in the images to visit the MIA website and read more about the artist, inspiration for the pieces and other amazing pieces that inspire you to visit yourself.
PENITENT MAGDELENE
C. 1650–65 by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
I have always called this the Joan of Arc painting to my kids because it reminded me of a moment I once saw in the movie “Messenger”.
This is my favorite piece in all of art. I can’t tell you why. But, when I am old and grey and likely have Alzheimer’s that encourages me to wander, you will find me here… standing in front of this painting for hours, simply wondering. Art breeds curiosity.
PORTRAIT OF CATHERINE COUSTARD, MARQUISE OF CASTELNAUE, WIFE OF CHARLES-LEONOR AUBRY WITH HER SON LEONOR
c 1700 by Nicolas de Largillière
This painting inspires me to appreciate technique. This image does not do it justice! The blue and rich rust color of their garments is breath-taking in person and I could stare at Leonor’s hand for hours.
FRANK
c. 1969 by Chuck Close
Frank is a sexy beast.
The most tragic change I have observed from MIA is when they moved my beloved Frank to a new location in a corner room. Until then, you could see Frank from a broad distance through many door ways. Until you got close did you realize this perfect photo was actually a painting with painstaking detail. It has taught me you need to look closer at many things to get the true answer.
CARCASS OF BEEF
c. 1925 by Chaim Soutine
I was 19 the very first time someone brought me to MIA and this is the painting that I first branded to my memory and carried with me. I became vegetarian as a teen and looking at this, I wondered what the artist’s reasoning was for painting this. To this day, I feel a physical reaction every time I look at it. Art has purpose and does influence and affect us.
MIGRANT MOTHER, NIPOMO, CALIFORNIA
c. 1936 by Dorothea Lange; Depicted: Florence Owens Thompson
I do not think there is a photographer in the world that does not know this photograph. Nor do I think there is a photographer that doesn’t pray that they have the skill to capture the world as purely and honestly. Art can be truthful and it can be more beautiful for its honesty. When I capture subjects, I pray that they realize that perfection is not the goal, but rather sincerity.
PERIOD ROOM: THE STUDIO OF GRATIFYING DISCOURSE
c. 1797 by Unknown Artist, China
The highlight of every visit taken with my children (and always the first stop) is a tour through all of the period rooms. (Yes, there are many!) These tours allow me to imagine and realize that our interpretation of the world is shaped not by the world itself, but first by the place we call home.
VEILED LADY
c. 1860 by Raffaelo Monti
Gaze upon this sculpture in person and you swear that the lady beneath the veil is living, waiting glance upon you. This piece drives us to excel in our techniques and go beyond what we think is possible. A translucent veil made of marble? Impossible, yet true!
COLLAGE IX: LANDSCAPE
c. 1974 by George Morrison
Amazing. Simply amazing how people can see art from a cluster of pieces. No rhyme, no reason, until an artist creates it. Art is everywhere, if you just look for it.
THE DENIAL OF ST. PETER
c. 1623 by Gerrit Van Honthorst
Again… website photos do not do this painting justice. When you walk past this painting, you will swear the light glows as the artist paints so beautifully. As a devout Christian, I take this painting closely to heart as it reminds me the truth in the art we create and the legacy it will create for others long after we are gone.