In the world of art, it's often the behind-the-scenes players who have the most unique and personal connections to the masterpieces on display. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art has tapped into this rich source of insight by asking its staff to select their favorite pieces from the collection. The result is an exhibit titled 'A Few of Our Favorite Things', which showcases the diverse tastes and perspectives of those who work at the museum. From security guards to educators, each staff member brings a unique lens to the art, revealing fascinating stories and insights that might otherwise go untold. This article delves into the personal journeys and interpretations of these staff members, offering a fresh perspective on the museum's collection and the people who bring it to life. It's a testament to the power of art to connect people and inspire new ways of thinking and feeling.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibit is the 'Portrait of Mercedes de Acosta' by Abram Poole. Allyson Healey, the museum's permanent collections researcher and archives manager, was drawn to the painting for its aesthetic beauty and its fascinating subject. De Acosta, a poet, playwright, and suffragist, was known for her rumored relationships with prominent women, and her memoir caused a stir in her circles. Healey sees in the painting a woman about to hold forth on some subject, and is captivated by her unique sense of style and the amazing shoes. The portrait, painted in 1923, offers a glimpse into a bygone era and a complex, intriguing life.
Another piece that resonates with one of the staff members is 'Dancing Figures' by Augusto Escobedo. Diego Lopez, a museum security guard, was raised by his grandmother and was first introduced to Escobedo's sculpture during a field trip in middle school. The man in the sculpture wears a 'mascara' (mask) used by Mexican wrestlers, and Lopez sees a parallel between the mask and his own experiences as a Mexican man growing up with the expectation not to show his feelings. The sculpture, with its fluid, stylized pose, has become a personal reminder of the importance of expressing one's feelings.
Lisa Benshea, the manager of the museum's member travel program, has a deep connection to the painting 'Maternity' by David Alfaro Siqueiros. She was drawn to the painting by the woman's concerned expression and the sense of protection she exudes. Benshea, who has worked at the museum for 19 years, has gone on more than 40 trips and has a personal connection to the art she encounters. The painting, with its universal themes of motherhood and concern, has become a source of inspiration and reflection for her.
Montserrat Capdevila, who has worked at the museum for 17 years, is drawn to the painting 'Moon Dog' by Rufino Tamayo. The style of the painting, with its nod to Salvador Dalí, reminds her of her own cultural heritage in northern Spain. Capdevila sees in the painting a 'big howl for a better tomorrow' after the hardships of war. Her personal journey, from teaching in Spain to working at the museum, has given her a unique perspective on the art and the community that supports it.
What makes this exhibit particularly fascinating is the diversity of perspectives it offers. Each staff member brings their own experiences, cultural backgrounds, and personal connections to the art, revealing hidden depths and insights that might otherwise go unnoticed. The exhibit is a testament to the power of art to connect people and inspire new ways of thinking and feeling. It's a reminder that art is not just about the masterpieces on display, but also about the people who bring them to life and the stories they tell.
In my opinion, this exhibit is a shining example of how art can be a catalyst for personal growth and community engagement. It's a reminder that art is not just about the masterpieces, but also about the people who create, preserve, and appreciate them. The staff members' personal connections to the art offer a fresh perspective on the museum's collection and the community that supports it. It's a testament to the power of art to connect people and inspire new ways of thinking and feeling.
