In Feb, 2009 I was able to visit the Portland Art Museum. As blogged previously, I typically find great joy in the chance to visit and see high quality art. But my visit was very uninspired, I was shocked and disappointed in myself, not so much the museum. Things got off the a rough start in the contemporary, modern art building. I am always the 1st to advocate for and explain modern art and discuss why certain pieces are considered great art. Why didn't I like anything? I had a real hard time with the collection in this entire building, it had pieces from all the right artist and all the right movements but it was overwhelmingly filled with 2nd and 3rd rate examples from modern movements and famous artists.
At last, after walking though nearly all the galleries I finally found a great piece from an area of art history that typically d
oes not rivet my attention. But was glad to experience the thrill of Nature's Fan by William Adolphe Bouguereau 1881. An amazing use of light and value contrasts.
