Surrealism at the PMA

So you may have noticed by now that I like art.  (I was an art history minor back in the day, you know!)  But of all the genres out there, I think surrealism may be my favorite.  I love the way it creatively interprets reality, opening our eyes to new ways of looking at the mundane things in our own lives.  I like the way it can express truth without actually showing anything that might even be recognizable, but you can look at it and say, “I completely understand this.”  Or even if you don’t, you have to admire the creativity of these artists, and the way they can see the world.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art certainly admires them, and has put together an exhibit using pieces from its own collection.  The Surrealists: Works from the Collection will highlight the inspired minds and imaginations of the most celebrated Surrealists while offering a wide-ranging view of the movement in general.  Hooray!

Take Birthday by Dorthea Tanning.

You don’t need a birthday cake to see that she’s staring through the infinite doors of her future, and she’s both ready to go but a little apprehensive.  Her outfit is part Renaissance princess and part seaweed—at once refined and natural.  Plus I love the little winged creature.  He looks like the world’s coolest house pet.

The Kiltie by Beckhams is just about right for Birthday: the gold and purple colors, the snakeskin, the velvet.  Plus it’s a flat (or almost), which will make it much easier to go on her adventures!  Yours for $84 from Irregular Choice.

This is Dog Barking at the Moon by Joan Miró:

It’s almost like the dog is on the moon rather than barking at it, he’s so alone.  But he’s a spunky little guy, and he does have that ladder—maybe he can make it to the moon after all!

I love how the Rosemary by Seychelles has the black of the night sky, the blue of the dog, and the twin lines of the ladder.  The heel is a solid 3.5 inches, and there’s a half-inch platform under the peep toe.  And can I say how I’m digging the touches of gold?  Also available in a sort of brown and yellow combo; your choice for $69 from 6pm.

The exhibit runs through March 2, but it’s over in the Perelman Building, so don’t go to the main museum and get confused!