My Love Affair with Modern Art...

I am currently reading a really interesting book called, My Love Affair with Modern Art, by Katherine Kuh, the first curator of modern painting and sculpture for the museum at the Art Institute of Chicago. In the 1930's during the Depression, Kuh opened an art gallery and exhibited unknown artists at the time. Of course, we now know them as the great Paul Klee, Joan Miró, Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Alexander Calder and Isamu Noguchi - just to name a few. Kuh loved modern art so much that she took a gamble by opening her gallery when America's interest in modern art was at an all-time low. She formed close, lasting relationships with some of the most incredible artists and this book is of her telling the stories of working, loving and befriending them.

The book is full of name-dropping, historical art references, and an air of pretentiousness that should be expected considering the world in which she was immersed. Her prestigious position at the Institute's museum led to friendships with Marcel Duchamp, Mies van der Rohe, Mark Rothko, and Edward Hopper. In writing her memoir, she hoped to offer intimate portraits of these luminaries and contribute to a fuller understanding of their achievements. So far, I think she is doing just that. When you understand the artist more as a person, you have a greater understanding of the art he/she creates.

As I am reading I am noting certain passages that strike me. One such passage discusses the nature of art history and how slides and chronology can often alienate people from art, rather than instruct them. Kuh says, "without the original work of art and the personal stab of response (I just love her word choices) it can all be reduced to little more than a lifeless routine. The entire process of learning about art demands leisurely assimilation. There are no shortcuts." I couldn't agree more. My education in art history has been enlightening - but my favorite studies were of paintings that I knew I could see in person at the Nelson or Kemper (our local museums.) I wanted to understand their history and then I wanted to relate it to the real thing. I wanted to experience the thickness of the paint, the brushstrokes and the colors up close and personally. This does make all the difference in the world of art.

Profundity abounds in this book and one of the most interesting and blatantly true passages I have read so far is about how attitudes toward art are often very tumultuous. Kuh says, "it is an area in which the layperson, even when minimally, if at all, informed, feels it is right to pronounce instant judgments. Because of its very nature, a work of art can be observed in a split second. To read a book, see a theatrical performance, or listen to a musical composition demands time." So too should viewing a painting or sculpture.

I am not done with the book, but so far so good. I will update as I go along. I know a few of you who might enjoy this one. Happy Reading.