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Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, PA

This weekend I went with some friends to the Abstract Expressionist show at MoMA. It was a bit of a victory lap for the museum, as it exhibited a number of works from its collection, all created within a hop, skip, and a jump away from the museum. It was great to see the works, and I rekindled my interest in Franz Kline and David Smith. I admired a number of the earlier Pollack drip paintings, and was surprised how many very early pieces the museum owned by the painter. It was also great seeing the Rothkos (he's one of my favorite painters) but I was disappointed there weren't more. I still remember the Rothko retrospective at the Whitney back in 1999, which was one of the most emotional shows I have seen.

This past summer, I took a road trip to Philadelphia to see the collection at the Barnes Foundation before it makes its move to a new location. I wanted to see the art as Barnes intended, in the structure he built to house it. I had seen The Art of the Steal and bought my tickets that night. The colleciton is impressive, but I was disappointed to find one wing already closed in preparation for the removal of the pieces contained therein.

That same weekend, we stopped by the Philadelphia Museum of Art where we caught the Late Renoir show. While I can't say I've ever loved his work, I was completely captivated by the work displayed here. The show was impeccably hung, and the works leapt off the canvas. I found a new appreciation for Renoir's colors and technique, and I went away wanting more.

The photo above was taken on the grounds of the Barnes Foundation. I'm not sure what plans they have for the institution after the artwork is removed. It's a beautiful setting, and I hope the building is put to good use. I wouldn't mind going back once more before the last piece is removed and the building transformed.