Art Institute of Chicago
@artinstitutechi
Street Drummers
We are so fortunate to have the Art Institute of Chicago in our community. We always love taking the opportunity to visit there to see the various exhibits AND to give me a chance to photograph the environs. If you live in or visit Chicago, I highly recommend stopping by as frequently as possible!
We were just there recently to see the John Singer Sargent and various other exhibits. As we left the building in the very late afternoon, I saw a shaft of light shining down on the street musicians on the curb, along Michigan Avenue. I knew there would be a potential photo in that light! I waited for what I thought would be an interesting “gesture” and got it when they both turned around to see something behind them.
Sargent Exhibit
The John Singer Sargent exhibit was stunning and quite interesting. We spent quite a long time walking through the gallery. Before exiting, I went back to take a look at one of my favorite paintings at the beginning of the layout and set up to take a photo. Luckily, as I was focusing, this man started to walk through my frame and I waited until he passed the painting (which I thought would add interest to the composition). You know me–I like to include people in my photos! I like the contrast of this scene…illuminated effectively by the museum’s lights only.
My Favorite!
Judy and I go to the Art Institute of Chicago frequently. This photo (above) of Judy and “our friend,” as we now call him, was taken a while ago when he was still situated in the New Wing of the building. Now, he’s standing outside in the adjacent courtyard. Stop by to say hi! Judy and I were getting ready to leave one day when I noticed there were no people in the hallway by the statue. I suggested that she go stand close to him and I took this photo. My FAVORITE photo I’ve taken at the Art Institute of Chicago! (And my favorite photo subject, as you know!)
Depiction of van Gogh’s Room
This photo, above, is from the Vincent van Gogh exhibit a while ago. A conceptual copy of his room in the famous “Yellow House” in Arles, France.
Mural and Reality
It is sometimes difficult to determine what’s real and what is painted in this scene! Those are real chairs and a table in front of a large mural. Fun!
Wheel
I had a little “creative fun” with this image! I liked the dramatic room that housed this exhibit and tried to capture that effectively. But then to “remind me” that it is really about the exhibit, I re-colored the wheel to make it stand out as a display on the wall.
Again, I always encourage people to stop by and visit the Art Institute of Chicago. Recently, it was voted as one of the top museums in the country! Always something new or old, temporary or permanent to see. And, be sure to stop by at Terzo Piano on the roof for a great view of the city and something to eat and/or drink.
Bring along a camera!
Your favorite is mine as well!
Yes…the photo of Judy with “our friend” is actually printed and framed and hanging on one of our walls!
Glad you like it, too!
All these are art. Fitting that they were taken where they were. Got to agree with your favorite. That deserves a big audience. Glad you posted it. Thanks for the shots and your narrative as always.
I’ve mentioned before that the narratives are a part of the “fun” of doing this blog…that is, in addition to the photography. And, of course, reading your comments and observations! Thanks, Mike.
I enjoy your perspective on this. Your blogging has been helping me change the way I view photography to the point where I’m getting insight as to how to choose what I shoot.
I am extremely happy to hear that, Dave! Glad to be contributing to your own process.
Great photo of the street musicians…as if you directed this shot!
Of course our very favorite photo is Judy & The Giant!
Love your blog & learned alot from you. 🙂
I didn’t actually “direct” the street musicians. BUT, I did wait until I saw an interesting position by both of them. My camera was held up to my eye and and I waited for the right moment. That is where the fun is…grabbing a brief moment in time.
SO glad you like Judy and the Giant. Fortunate to have a good opportunity to capture this scene…things worked out.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Steph!
Stephen, I agree that the Art Institute is a hidden gem in Chicago. Also, the ability to capture street photography people entering, looking or leaving is a key plus for me. The image of Judy is priceless.
I always see the bucket drummers. When I don’t see them, I ask the outside security guards where are they? The usual answer they were chased away by the police. My experience because of when I go is at 10:30 and morning light. The backlighting adds so much to the image. Possibly they are on the looking for other bucket drummers to show up or the police. We just won’t know.
You and Judy may like going to the new Dunn museum in Libertyville. Great potential for images.
Stan– You’re right. Soon after I took this photo, someone approached them and they picked up their stuff and left. Seemed rather routine and friendly, actually. Probably part of the regular “procedure!”
The light shining down the street on their backs was quite dramatic. That’s what caught my attention. As you know, it’s all about the light!
Thanks for the suggestion about the Dunn Museum! (https://www.lcfpd.org/museum/)
Always appreciate your comments!
I met you and Judy at the Discovery Museum that a once-in-a-lifetime national touring exhibition commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 1616. You both had a chance to see one of the rarest, most valuable and most influential books in the world––the 1623 Shakespeare First Folio. I was a docent for that exhibit.
The Discovery is closed and a new Dunn has emerged. You will have loads of photo opportunities.include the world’s only scientifically accurate, life-sized replica of the dinosaur Dryptosaurus, a giant fossil-covered rock that is 420 million years old, a wigwam replicatedwith guidance from local Native American tribe members, a reproduction of a one-room schoolhouse used by earlysettlers, an authentic Gatling gun and other artifacts from the Civil War era. A special Illinois Bicentennial exhibitionshowcases artifacts from the 2018 book “200 Objects That Made History in Lake and McHenry Counties” including a vaudeville trunk owned by Waukegan native and world-renowned comedian, Jack Benny, on loan from the Waukegan History Museum.I believe they are closed Monday.
Yes…I clearly recall meeting and chatting with you at the Discovery Museum. And, I appreciate that we’ve stayed in touch!
Thanks for the tips about the new Dunn museum. We haven’t been there yet, but we’ll find some time soon. Looks interesting.
Yes – that picture of me and “my friend” is one of my faves. Maybe right after the one of me and our grandchildren! We visit the AIC often, and it is remarkable to see how you catch the “art in action”, often while I am not even aware of what you are looking at. That is the magic of your subtle approach, discerning eye and a quiet camera. New exhibits coming in late September, time for another visit!
Oooh. I like that “art in action” description! And the “subtle approach, discerning eye and a quiet camera.” I also like those portrayals of the process! They sound like a premise for a narrative…hmmm!
BTW, as you know, I like taking photos when we’re together…we’ve developed a good rhythm doing that.
Yep…”our friend” is a fun picture and, as you know, frequently gets a comment when people see it in our home. Another fortuitous moment that I was glad to capture. And one of my favorite photos of YOU…but there are so many years’ worth! haha
Thx, Judy!
I, too, love the Art Institute. But the Cultural Center is also a favorite destination.
Yep…lotsa favorite spots in Chicago. Always a fun opportunity…right in our own backyard!
Great set of images at one of the great Art Venues of the world!
Thanks, Clive!
And, I agree…a great art resource of the world located in Chicago. Lucky us!
Stephen,
You elevated the art with your art. Genius.
Aw…so nice of you, Pam! Thanks much.
Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing on Facebook. I hope you don’t mind that I shared your post because I think you deserve as wide an audience as possible!
Of course, I don’t mind that you shared the post. In fact, I’m very glad you did! Thanks so much. I’m just doing this to share my photos along with related comments and observations…the larger the audience, the better. Fun!
Sooo glad you like the photos, Benita. Appreciated!
I visited Singer Sargent exhibit after spending two hours at the Charles White retrospective. What a contrast. Your photo says some of that. I like it very much and it is hard to pick a favorite. They are all so evocative.
Yes! We were so impressed and overwhelmed by the White exhibit that we had no time on that to see Sargent during that visit. We had to make a second trip back there! haha But, that’s a good thing!
Thanks much for your kind comments! Glad you liked it, Lois.