As a way to get to know each other, the Museum's monthly all-staff meeting features a brief conversation with one employee. Everyone is asked the same seven questions. My favorite question is "If you could hang one work of art from the Museum's collection in your living room, which would it be and why?" Of course, it is assumed that there would be no consequences to removing the said work of art from the gallery and walking out the door with it.
Until recently, I would have answered with one of my top faves, such as the Chinese Guanyin or perhaps Monet's Water Lilies (not that it would fit in my living room, mind you). However, since the exhibition Print Lovers at 30 opened earlier this month, I have to add Art, by Robert Cottingham to that list.
I remember my first reaction when I saw it was, "wow! that would look great in my living room!" I love the vibrant colors and crisp, clarity of the image. I also love the context of the image. The letters that form the word "art" appear on a neon marquee. Cottingham has cropped the image so the word almost fills the entire frame. As someone who works in an art museum, I think it would be great to have this lovely picture hanging above my mantel to remind me every day of the beauty of art.