Christmas Eve. We walked in the rain to the Subway; destination was the Whitney Museum of American Art, building designed by Renzo Piano. Although he is one of my favorite architects, this didn’t strike me as one of his best works. Three of his designs in Texas, The Menil Collection in Houston, the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas and the expansion of the Kimball Museum is Fort Worth, are all more striking.
On the eighth floor there was an exhibit by Cuban born artist Carmen Herrera. This consisted of her work from 1948 to 1978. Carmen coincidently lives a couple of blocks from the Whitney and is still working daily at age 101.
The photo on the left above is titled “City”. Note the picture on the right above. This is consistent with a series of photos I’ve taken of people looking at art. And the photo on the left below is titled “Woman and Bicycle, 1952-53”. I defy anyone to recognize a bicycle. Please show it to me. The photo on the right below is not a sculpture; it’s part of the building; there are outdoor patios on each floor.
Additional thoughts from previous blogs:
From 12/22 blog – 9/11 and World Trade Center. The people who lost their lives came from 90 different countries.
From 12/23 blog – NYC Subway system. Based on the number of stations, 469, it is the largest transit system in the world. It is the 7th busiest in the world, providing 1.7 billion rides in 2015. It is one of the longest with 233 miles of track.
Also from 12/23 – the MET. “Admission” is $25 for a single ticket and $17 for seniors. But these are considered donations, you don’t have to pay anything if you don’t want to!
I came back to the hotel after the Whitney and visiting a bookstore. Glenn, Patrice and Brenda walked back to the Whitney and walked the High Line which is about 1.25 miles. The path was created along a section of elevated train tracks. Lots of plantings amongst the tracks, trying to mimic plantings that would naturally have occurred along the tracks. Public art was commissioned in locations along the track. The most curious was a painted bronze that was a man, clad only in Hanes briefs, and appearing to be in a state of sleep walking. At first glance he looked alive.
We have booked an 8:00 pm concert by the New York String Orchestra at Carnegie Hall and a late dinner afterwards at Etcetera, Etcetera, recommended by a friend. The concert was great, all Mozart: Idomeneo Overture, Violin Concerto No. 3 and Symphony No. 41. The NY String Orchestra consists of exceptional music students who are invited to New York in December for 10 days of new musical ideas and the challenge of participating in two professional-level concerts. Featured in the Violin Concerto was Jennifer Koh, Musical America's 2016 Instrumentalist of the Year. The conductor was Jaime Laredo, one of Jennifer’s instructors. They have one thing in common; both made their symphony debut at age 11. I was amazed and amused at the “sophisticated” New York Carnegie Hall music lovers who clapped after every movement. Usually, this is not done.
The food at Etcetera Etcetera was good but I was disappointed with their service.
Although I did not participate in all of the walking, those who did recorded over 18,00 steps today. I’m tired even thinking about it.
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