Photo Pest: The Glorious Tate Modern

Friday, November 11, 2016

The Glorious Tate Modern

The Tate Modern topped my list of things to see in London. The former power plant more than lived up to my expectations. So few things do.

The mammoth space near the entrance instantly imbues a sense of wonder.

The curators have organized the diverse collection by themes that don't require a lot of reading to absorb.

Artists who work on a grand scale, like Joseph Beuys, are shown to great advantage.

Some of the works I liked bests were by unfamiliar names.

Conceptual art doesn't usually do it for me but the color red unites these photos. Care to guess the nationality of the artist?

The Church of St. John the Divine exhibited Jane Alexander's mysterious critters several years ago. They looked slightly less malevolent at the Tate divorced from the religious context.

The permanent exhibitions are free, a policy that truly encourages art appreciation.

Remember this name: Ibrahim El-Salahi, a former politician! Too bad I didn't see the Tate's earlier retrospective of his work. African artists don't get enough exposure in America.

This gallery juxtaposed different styles of abstract painting.

Seeing Andy Warhol's electric chair silkscreens for the first time was treat. Natural light flooded the room like current.

The Tate Modern also gave me newfound appreciation for Louise Bourgeois. She lived to be nearly 100. Her reputation probably would be bigger if she were male.