The Observer, February 25, 2005
Volume XXXVII, Issue 19
The Phillips Collection brings world-famous art to CMA
Since the dawn of time, art has served as one of mankind's most varied and important forms of expression. From cave paintings (man's first version of the Power Rangers) to The DaVinci Code, the undisputable influence of art (and the historical record it preserves) has survived throughout history. Though maybe The DaVinci Code was a better example of how horribly wrong that power can go. I don't know yet. I haven't solved all of the anagrams.
I think there are very few who would argue that art is not an important record of historical and cultural trends, and yet I am constantly surprised at the number of students who unabashedly declare that they have never once set foot in the Cleveland Museum of Art. Sure, I acknowledge the huge obstacles that stand between Case students and this world – class museum. It's a bit of a hike to get there – almost the same distance from Northside to the library – but never fear, pack a protein bar and plenty of water for the journey, you'll make it! And yes, it does cost money to get in. – wait, no it doesn't. But I don't know anything about art. Well, who does? It's a museum, they're not going to quiz you; there's a reason it's all free.
And here's a spectacular new reason to check out the Cleveland Museum of Art: world-famous works on loan from the Phillips Collection in Washington D.C. are on exhibition there until May 29.
That means nothing to me. I'm going to go back to sleeping in chemistry.
The Phillips Collection was first exhibited in 1921 by private collector Duncan Phillips in his own home in Washington D.C. in an attempt to help people "see beautifully." To date, it includes such renowned works as Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party" (the painting the wise old dude in Amelie kept copying), Picasso's "Bullfight," and Degas' "Dancers," as well as works by practically every other influential/manic artist ever to be mentioned in Art History 101. This exhibit has been designed as an "evolutionary" example of art through the ages, following history and society through time without all of the impossible-to-define vocabulary, making it easily accessible to viewers. Even the little blurbs next to the paintings make sense. In addition to the works of the Phillips Collection, the Cleveland Museum of Art has juxtaposed works from its own collection with similar works from the visiting collection to enhance the viewer's understanding of styles and influences. Or is it just a cleverly hidden path leading to the final resting place of a controversial historical figure. Whatever the case, the works from the Phillips Collection are definitely worth an hour or two of your Nord-napping time. Think how much smarter you'll sound in line at Fribley, arguing who would win in a cage match, de Goya or El Greco! Let me tell you, the ladies will be swooning.
And hey, as long as you're at the museum, you might as well check out some of the other special exhibits: Luc Delahaye's photographic "History," and "Visions of Japan," which features some very beautiful anime-free (sorry Cowboy Bebop fans) paintings and prints ranging from landscape to caricature, complete with authentic tatami mat seating in case you start to miss that nap. Whatever the case, these exhibits are certainly worth checking out. Because you never know when you might need your knowledge of art to solve a gruesome murder and seduce a hot French chick. You never know.
