BEYOND THE FRAME

Happy New Year from the Brooks: A Reflection of Inspiration

Emilyyyy — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:45:40 +0000

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art always has so many great things going on each year! Every Light Festival or Creation Station inspires me to think outside of the box-I’m always so impressed with the creative ideas from our Education Department. Then, I look at all of the cool films we offer and they make me reflect on my own life. After watching weddings almost every weekend, I know so much more about flowers, plates and cake that I feel confident to throw my very own dinner party! Of course, walking through the galleries is an inspiration and calming enjoyment all on its own. Wine and Food events are just plain fun to watch come to fruition – from the graphic design of the series to all of the unique fundraising events, it’s like watching someone raise a child!

All of this watching and learning has shown me that I can try new things, too! I just carved my very own block and made napkins for my parents for the holidays, which they adored. Now, I feel inspired to try even more and to make new things on my own! I hope that the Brooks inspires you as well this new year!

Luis van Seixas, Assistant Preparator, on Thursday’s Medieval Atmosphere

Emilyyyy — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:55:14 +0000

This Thursday, December 8, from 6:30-7:15 p.m., preparator Luis van Seixas will transform the Brooks’ Moss Gallery into a monastery-like environment, filling the space with contemporary music and replacing gallery lighting with flickering (battery-operated) candles. Come experience his Medieval Atmosphere, which is included with museum admission.

What made you want to do this project?
I love the medieval objects in the Moss Gallery, and I thought it would be a good idea to create the atmosphere of a monastery, even using artificial candles. We’ll focus on the nativity paintings, because Christmas is coming up. Imagine the gilded wood panels illuminated by a pale flickering light – an expressed evocation of the private shrines and triptychs, just like in the early centuries of Christianity.

What should museum visitors expect?
This program represents a holistic vision of the ancient Christmas, where mystical, religious and pagan worlds merged together. Expect quite a different museum atmosphere – much less light, and an eclectic list of ethnological and neo-folk music spanning almost all the European medieval culture.

Is this something you’d see or do in your native Portugal?
Yes – a lot of European cities, especially in Germany, France, Portugal and Spain, are recreating medieval events, especially in fortress and castle cities. By doing this, they offer to the general public a glance at the golden days of the medieval age.

Can you elaborate a bit more about the music you’ll be playing to recreate the medieval atmosphere?
In Portugal, I play guitar and produce electronica tracks as Sci Fi Industries – I’m founder and producer of the Thisco label. Now that I’m living in Memphis, where the roots of rock and roll are so important, I’m thinking about my roots too, which is what’s leading me down this medieval path. This is a trend in Europe: People are searching for the roots of their favorite music. I’ve noticed that a couple of friends are swapping their guitars for bagpipes in the pursuit of the origins of music – sort of a primal scream. I’ll be playing music by these musicians, who are basically researchers – groups like Corvus Corax and Trobar d’ Morte.

Armed and Dangerous: Art of the Arsenal Exhibition Installation!!

Emilyyyy — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:31:28 +0000

I have mentioned this before, but one of the biggest perks of working in a museum are the rare behind-the-scenes looks we are allowed. I was first given the opportunity to photograph unloading and exhibition installations over a year ago. Now, it is part of my job to document our traveling exhibitions from start to finish.

The Brooks staff discusses future shows several years in advance. Each meeting or preview lecture provided takes us one step closer to seeing the actual objects in person. When I learned about Armed and Dangerous, I was very excited to see all of the armor and weaponry throughout time! I thought to myself, my fiance always watches these war and roman-esque movies, maybe I can identify some of these things!

I grabbed our camera and snapped some great pictures (from a very safe distance, of course) of the installation. See them and other installations on our flickr page. Enjoy!

Discover Your Inner Warrior

Emilyyyy — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:47:23 +0000

This self-affirming statement names the hands-on education gallery component for the upcoming Armed & Dangerous: Art of the Arsenal exhibition. Now, if you’re anything like me – your imagination might take you to an image of children running wildly wielding swords, lifting shields, with Corinthian Helmets upon their heads; chaos abounding. This is NOT the case.

The educational gallery will afford visitors all along the age spectrum the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways with various interactives:
• A child-sized samurai suit invites participants to step behind the armor and view themselves in a mirror; discovering their inner samurai.

• A helmet interactive allows children and adults to try-on different helmets; you know the saying about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, do you think the same goes for helmets?
Hmmm. . .

• Now you see me, now you don’t! In the case of camouflage that’s kind of the point. Visitors will be impressed by a camo wall spanning more than ten feet! Visitors will don ponchos and “disappear” into a selection of camouflaged backgrounds.

• “Armoring a Knight: A Squire’s Guide” a short film provides a visual step-by-step of two squires dressing a knight. (duration three minutes, eight seconds) The video is set to music with images captioned, providing a great explanation of the process.

• Take a seat and explore surface decoration with an embossing activity. Take inspiration of objects on view. Pick up a stylus, make marks on metal sheets, and take your work home with you as a memento from your Brooks experience.

• Explore the uses of armor today! From our favorite super heroes and villains (think: Iron Man and Darth Vader), to athletes (think: baseball and football), to everyday heroes (think: police officers), children will have the opportunity to dress up with elements of armor today.

I’m throwing down the gauntlet! I challenge you, regardless of age or armor knowledge. . . “Discover Your Inner Warrior” will offer you the opportunity to learn about armor in an engaging and fun way. Come check it out for yourself! On view November 12, 2011 – March 11, 2012.

This blog has been written by Erin M. Narloch,Tour Coordinator for the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

Amy Aughinbaugh, Exhibitions Intern, Shares her Experience at the Brooks

Emilyyyy — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:43:29 +0000

Having never interned nor worked at a museum before, this internship has been my first opportunity to witness and participate in the inner-workings of museum business. Thus far since I began in August, I’ve been working under chief curator Marina Pacini on the Brooks’ upcoming exhibition, Armed and Dangerous: Art of the Arsenal (A & D). It’s been an intriguing project because it encompasses several cultural regions and different time periods. My responsibilities have primarily involved locating research materials and then helping Marina comb them for relevant information. I have also been working on organizing the exhibit contents so that Marina can pick the best arrangement and layout of the exhibition displays.

A & D is neat because it has taught me to look at objects which are primarily instruments of destruction as items that nonetheless reflect the art and aesthetics of various cultures. Artistic development as related to weaponry also inevitably leads to military history which offers a further perspective on the many facets of intercultural exchange. For example, the Chinese are generally considered to be the inventors of gunpowder and the first guns, but Europeans quickly took over gunpowder technology and harnessed its results for much more precise and deadly means than the Chinese had yet imagined.

I’m grateful to be working on a project that I will be able to see to its completion since A&D opens in less than one month. I will have learned how an assortment of various objects can come together under curatorial management and become a cohesive statement about the development of visual culture. At the same time, I’ve simply learned a lot of weapons and weaponry. (Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci invented a type of gun which became the forerunner for pistols today?)

Working at the Brooks, especially working so closely with its curator, has been a great opportunity for me which has definitely contributed positively to my thoughts on a future career in the art world. After the opening of A&D, I look forward to assisting with more projects and exhibitions, and I’m only saddened that my time here seems to be passing so quickly.

P.S. Armed and Dangerous: Art of the Arsenal opens November 12!

This blog is written by Amy Aughinbaugh, Exhibitions Intern for the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

In Focus with Girls Inc.

Emilyyyy — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 18:30:43 +0000

Photographs and video from the Brooks Museum’s summer In Focus program are currently on view in the Education Gallery through Oct 23, 2011. Memphis artist Thomasin Durgin worked with 30 adolescents from Girls Incorporated, a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. The focus of the program was portraiture through digital photography and included an introduction to stop-motion video.

Adolescents typically struggle with issues of identity and control over their own lives. Through portraiture girls are able to express who they are, and to show themselves as they want to be seen by the world. Many participants began the program with an eye for glamorous shots, yet photo assignments such as composing faceless portraits or choosing to depict specific emotions helped them begin viewing the camera as an artistic tool. Photographs were projected and reviewed at the end of most sessions, which encouraged dialogue and reflection. Composition, framing, lighting, and technical aspects of photography were introduced during these discussions s well.

An exceptional group of talented girls, the participants created work that is moving, creative, thoughtful, and fun.

Viva La France!

Emilyyyy — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:22:11 +0000

Every now and then we get an email from our friend Elisabeth Callihan, who has been living in Paris for the last year. Elisabeth was formerly the Public Relations and Public Events Manager here at the Brooks and she is simply fabulous. She feeds us little tidbits of cool stuff going on across the pond. Her most recent email says, everyone is obsessed with florals here lately – dresses, pants, shoes – everything in florals. Also, drinking outside is big. So put on your best floral dress and come to the Brooks for a drink on the patio.

Florals and drinking aside, it’s been all about France at the Brooks this summer. We even had a Bastille Day celebration with the opening of our new show, The Impressionist Revolution. Come to the Brooks for some French inspired fun, which will continue through early October. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll experience:

-Nicoise Salad, Quiche Lorraine, and more at the Brushmark Restaurant
-95 works of French and related Impressionism paintings
-French pop and hip-hop music by DJ Leroy Trenton during Brooks After Hours
-French films
-A “Kid’s Café” gallery featuring scent games, dress up, and more
-French wine tastings
-Screenings of French operas and ballets
-Sidewalk Impressionists Chalk Festival on September 24

That’s A LOT of French fun! And for a lot less than a plane ticket to Paris. So what are you waiting for? Take a trip to France without the annoying and invasive security checks. Join the Brooks now at www.brooksmuseum.org/join or call Andrea Carlisle at 544-6230.

This blog has been written by Diane Jalfon Director of Development at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

The Brushmark: Seasonal and Farm Fresh Summer Menus

Emilyyyy — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:53:58 +0000

It’s the end of summertime and the living is easy. Inspiration comes from many sources for us in the Brushmark. First and foremost, our menus are influenced by the changing seasons. As chefs, freshness is the key to our cooking. With summer comes a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables. We are so lucky to be surrounded by farmers who bring us their goodies “fresh from the farm”. Our popular burger comes from Andrew Donnell of Donnell Century Farm outside of Jackson, TN. Most of our vegetables such as tomatoes, baby beets, green beans, & summer squash comes from Elizabeth Heiskell of Woodson Ridge Farm in Oxford, MS. She is also a good friend from our hometown of Cleveland, MS. We love the Heritage Pork that our friend Mark Newman of Newman Farm brings us from a couple of hours north of Memphis. Our accounting department’s own Debbie Sullivan’s nieces provide us with fresh eggs that are served from the popular weekend brunch menu.

As we prepared for the beautiful new exhibition “The Impressionist Revolution”, we wanted to include a few French influenced items to the summer menu. If you haven’t dined in the Brushmark in awhile, now is the time to come sample the new menu. Spend the day at the Brooks enjoying the exhibition. Take a lunch break to enjoy delicious new items such as Chicken Provencal or a Vegetarian Salad “Nicoise”. A perfect way to spend the day out of the Memphis heat.

This post is written by Wally Joe Executive Chef at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

Luis Seixas Art Conservator-restorer for the Brooks

Emilyyyy — Sun, 22 May 2011 19:51:31 +0000

What is your position at the Brooks?
I’m an art conservator-restorer presently as a volunteer at the Brooks Museum collection.

What do you work on day to day and what does it entail?
The work aim is to prevent collection objects degradation through conservation and stabilization actions. Mostly object surface cleaning and support consolidations.

Removal of adherent surface deposits by physical chemical means (by cotton swab). Church of Suceviţa Monastery, burial chamber. Romania, Suceava., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservation-restoration

Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, Europe’s most western country.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lisbon

What is your favorite part of your job at the museum?
The privilege of being so close to works of art. People are fine too, but art is something!

What is your favorite piece of art and why?
I really like medieval pieces. I love the human figure, the classical approach to design but with a spare placid tenderness. From the Brooks Museum it must be the St. Michael sculpture.

German ST. MICHAEL, ca. 1430-1460 Limewood, polychromed and gilded Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Purchase; funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Ben B. Carrick, Dr. and Mrs. Marcus W. Orr, Dr. and Mrs. William F. Outlan, Mr. and Mrs. Downing Pryor, Mr. and Mrs. Richard O. Wilson, Brooks League in memory of Margaret A. Tate 84.3

What do you like about Memphis?
I like the city quietness. Even for a big city there’s always place to park the car and has no insane traffic during the rush hour. We cannot have such things in Lisbon. The food is great and it is easy to make friends as well.

If you could travel cost free anywhere for one week, where would you go?
Well, that’s difficult to answer, probably to French Polynesia, just because we skipped it on our honeymoon. For us, those islands are literally on the other side of the world.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Bora-bora_from_air.jpg

If you could meet any person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Jackson Pollock, definitively. He is my favorite artist along with Caravaggio. I just say no to Caravaggio due to his dangerous character, and my Italian it’s not so good…

Photographer Hans Namuth extensively documented Pollock's unique painting techniques., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Pollock

If you could be good at any subject, what would it be and why?
Aerospatial engineering I suppose. I love technology and cutting edge mechanical appliances. In the moment to choose, my heart spoke louder and I went to Arts University, otherwise I would become an engineer.

If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?
I think it would be time traveling ability! Humanity has so many questions about the past. I have a couple of art technique doubts waiting for an answer. But if possible to do, I just want to do it as an observer. As bad as the past could be it is a legacy that must be assimilated. Besides that, through art the past looks evermore magnificent.

Staff Highlight: Scott Patterson Marketing Guru

Emilyyyy — Mon, 16 May 2011 19:49:24 +0000

Scott Patterson wears many hats at the museum. In his spare time he creates music, collects cool things from here and there and drives bright blue vintage cars. He’s also an expert with ice cream cakes. In his staff highlight, he explains all of his duties and beyond.

What is your job at the Brooks and what does it entail?
Geez. Well my title is Volunteer Coordinator/Public Programs Assistant. Essentially, I schedule volunteers and interns for the various needs of the museum, while assisting the marketing department with films, events, and marketing strategy. This includes everything from handling audio/video needs in the auditorium to building community relations and helping with publicity. I’ve even been spotted selling artisan crafts and jewelry in the Museum Store, so watch out!

What was your first job at the Brooks?
I started out as a volunteer and my first event was the Sivads of March. That one night put all of my misconceptions about the Brooks to rest.
(Those who were in attendance that night probably know what I mean!)

What is your favorite piece of art and why?
Ooh, that’s tough. If I were to pick just one it may be the processional cross in the Moss Gallery. I was shocked to learn that we have 600 year old artifacts in the museum, and considering where that cross has been and what it may have been involved with, it’s pretty spectacular. That cross was crafted during the final years of the Crusades! It is impressive that it has made its way to Memphis and the Brooks.

Spanish (Barcelona) PROCESSIONAL CROSS, ca. 1390 Silver and enamel over an oak core Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Purchase; funds provided by the Morrie A. Moss Endowment, the Decorative Arts Trust and Mrs. Lula C. Coffey 97.9

What has been your favorite exhibit and why?
Honestly, this year’s Scholastic exhibit blew my mind! It was a relief to discover that there are still kids out there making great art. Perhaps there is some hope for the up-and-coming generations after all.

What is your favorite part about working at the Brooks?
It is nice to be involved with the arts, especially with an organization that has such a strong interest in making positive changes in the community.
Lunch breaks in the park are nice, too!

If you could travel cost free anywhere for one week, where would you go?
Cost free? It would have to be Iceland. I have always wanted to go, but it’s just so expensive that I haven’t gotten around to that one …yet!

Traditional Icelandic turf houses. Until the 20th century, the vast majority of Icelanders lived in rural areas., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland

If you could meet any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Years ago I saw Matthew Barney’s Cremaster Cycle at the Guggenheim in New York. The whole thing just floored me.
I guess it would be interesting to find out where that concept came from, and what it actually meant to him as he created it.

If you could be good at any subject, what would it be and why?
Math classes were always tough for me- I could definitely use some help in that area.

An abacus, a simple calculating tool used since ancient times., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematics

If you could have a super power, what would it be and why?
Telekinesis could be fun!