We recently visited The J. Paul Getty Museum a.k.a “The Getty” or “The Getty Center” as us L.A. natives call it. The Getty Museum is a beautiful space that is carved out of the Santa Monica Mountains and filled with gardens, architecture, sculpture and art – featured image “Dancer” by Paolo Troubetzkoy 1912, bronze. The Getty Museum is also home to some of the most inspiring and soul-filling design with a backdrop of rolling hills, rocky mountains and jaw-dropping yet peaceful views. It was the perfect respite for us to spend a special day together.
Our first stop at The Getty Museum was The Scandalous Art of James Ensor exhibit. Scandalous – sounds intriguing doesn’t it? Well… for the late 19th Century it was just that. It was his bizarre subject matter and acerbic style – priests defecating on their subjects, artists vomiting in public protest, carnivals, masks, puppetry, skeletons – in which he painted which made way for the title of this exhibit. We enjoyed viewing Ensor’s paintings for their anti-establishment sentiments and brow-raising effect. It’s intriguing to learn that Ensor’s art was rejected by critics early on and then revered later – not uncommon for artists who “push the envelope.” Unfortunately, photographs of the exhibit were not allowed to be taken. However, there was so much more Getty to see, draw from and experience.
Architecture by Richard Meier – a serenely beautiful backdrop for a picture perfect day.
Saw this erudite quote by renowned Southern California Architect, John Lautner and loved it!
Amazing views of downtown Los Angeles, #dtla, and Century City!
Us!
The J. Paul Getty Museum – See it soon!