Extraordinary!!

Wow!!  Today was simply amazing at the TAM!  Those who came to listen to Peter Clothier were led on a transcendent journey of artistic observation through intense visual study countered with closed-eye meditation!  It was seriously a very cool way to contemplate and better understand art.  He began by explaining that we often spend more time reading the label accompanying the piece than we do looking at the piece itself!  Peter also cautioned us to let go of our 'baggage'; preconceived notions of what we 'like' and what we 'dislike' in a painting, an artist or a medium.  The hour long activity (it was far from a lecture) was like a field trip in your mind...impressive.

After the business meeting, at which the TAMA Board members were graciously given candles to thank us for Fearlessly and Boldly 'lighting the way' to the future, we were treated to an excellent tour of both Gallery II and the Main Gallery exhibitions.   Max Presneill, the TAM curator, and Lisa DeSmidt, Events Coordinator, explained the idea of a 'flaneur' as well as the general concepts behind how artists feel about surveillance.  There are 'cameras' everywhere in this exhibition and the entry into the Main Gallery is unlike anything they've ever had before!!  Max did remind us that the intent of the TAM is to 'reflect what artists are talking about' and this exhibition certainly aims to do just that.   It's all quite exciting.

During the tour Max pointed out similarities of the displayed pieces to some of his favorite works including James Ensor's  Christ's Entry into Brussels in 1889 as well as Gericault's The Raft of Medusa. 

Tomorrow is the reception and opening to the public.  TAMA Members will enjoy a celebratory glass of champagne & priority seating at the 5:00 p.m. Panel Discussion led by Lisa DeSmidt.  If you've not yet joined, but would like to experience the benefits of membership, TAMA members will be on hand to distribute and collect membership forms. 

Feel free to post to this blog your comments, observations and insights into this very intriguing exhibition.