I recently went to the Chagall exhibit at The Jewish Museum here in NYC. They don't allow photos, so I will only share the brochure for the exhibit with you:
I have loved Chagall's work for as long as I can remember. (You can read this post, which contains photos of his gorgeous stained glass windows at the Art Institute of Chicago.) At the exhibit at The Jewish Museum I was particularly struck, in seeing so many of his pieces together, by how much of a storyteller he was.
I have always been drawn in by his colors and the sketchy style in which he paints. But so much of signage in this exhibit focused on the symbolism in his work and I found myself absolutely floored (and moved — I teared up at one painting). For instance, in the painting above, the red cow is said to represent Chagall (you can see the palette and brushes in his hand). His new love is seen embracing him. His much loved and recently deceased wife is pictured (with Jesus and a rooster) in her bridal wear. And then, of course, there's the flying clock. (You can see a list of Chagall symbols decoded here as well as an interesting post on the topic here.)
I find this quote from Chagall on the subject very interesting as well:
"When I paint the wings of an angel, these wings are also flames, just as they are also thoughts or desires . . . We must do away with the idolatry of the image . . . Judge me on my form and color, on my vision of the world, and not on isolated symbols. One should never paint a picture on the basis of symbols. Rather than starting out from a symbol, one should end with one, for symbolism is inevitable. Any absolutely authentic work of art automatically possesses its symbolism."
I have always felt that it is fascinating to learn about the artist's intent in creating a piece of art, but it's also important for the viewer to bring his or her own perspective to a viewing of it.
It's interesting and enlightening to know about an artist's personal history, but I'm a great believer that just as creating art is a personal experience, so is viewing art. And that's part of why I love Chagall. He's such a storyteller that, when looking at his paintings, you quickly realize everything has been placed there for a reason. You may not know the exact story, but you combine what you see with your own personal history and a story line emerges.
As often happens to me when I go to a museum, I compare my work to what I'm seeing. Standing in the exhibit I was struck by how devoid of story many — perhaps even most — of my paintings are. In my art journal I add the story with literal text. In my paintings on canvas, I'm usually just painting a face with lots of colors and texture. But is there a story I'm trying to tell? I don't think so.
The realization depressed me a little bit.
But then it energized me!
I'm a memory keeper and a mixed media artist after all. Perhaps it's time to push the two together a bit more aggressively. I can feel the wheels in my brain turning. I'm not sure what will come out of the turning, but I'm hopeful it will be some artwork full of story. Not a copy of Chagall's way of communicating a story. Rather, my own way. I'm going to need to work on it and develop it, but I feel like I have some ideas for how to start and I can't wait!
I hear the paint and brushes calling me!
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow thanks for sharing. I was able to visit the Chagall windows while I was in Israel years ago, and even as a teenager I was struck by the beauty of his work. I loved it so much I even hunted down the Chagall Gallery in Jerusalem so that I could view more of his work. Thanks again for sharing this. I wish this exhibit would come to Atlanta
Wow thanks for sharing. I was able to visit the Chagall windows while I was in Israel years ago, and even as a teenager I was struck by the beauty of his work. I loved it so much I even hunted down the Chagall Gallery in Jerusalem so that I could view more of his work. Thanks again for sharing this. I wish this exhibit would come to Atlanta
Wow thanks for sharing. I was able to visit the Chagall windows while I was in Israel years ago, and even as a teenager I was struck by the beauty of his work. I loved it so much I even hunted down the Chagall Gallery in Jerusalem so that I could view more of his work. Thanks again for sharing this. I wish this exhibit would come to Atlanta
Wow thanks for sharing. I was able to visit the Chagall windows while I was in Israel years ago, and even as a teenager I was struck by the beauty of his work. I loved it so much I even hunted down the Chagall Gallery in Jerusalem so that I could view more of his work. Thanks again for sharing this. I wish this exhibit would come to Atlanta
Wow thanks for sharing. I was able to visit the Chagall windows while I was in Israel years ago, and even as a teenager I was struck by the beauty of his work. I loved it so much I even hunted down the Chagall Gallery in Jerusalem so that I could view more of his work. Thanks again for sharing this. I wish this exhibit would come to Atlanta
I completely disagree that you are not telling a story with your faces and other paintings. Your faces all evoke stories and themes to me. They may not have the Chagall icons or symbols, but some do, and you can add others. Faces are people, and people all have stories.
I completely disagree that you are not telling a story with your faces and other paintings. Your faces all evoke stories and themes to me. They may not have the Chagall icons or symbols, but some do, and you can add others. Faces are people, and people all have stories.
I completely disagree that you are not telling a story with your faces and other paintings. Your faces all evoke stories and themes to me. They may not have the Chagall icons or symbols, but some do, and you can add others. Faces are people, and people all have stories.
I completely disagree that you are not telling a story with your faces and other paintings. Your faces all evoke stories and themes to me. They may not have the Chagall icons or symbols, but some do, and you can add others. Faces are people, and people all have stories.
I completely disagree that you are not telling a story with your faces and other paintings. Your faces all evoke stories and themes to me. They may not have the Chagall icons or symbols, but some do, and you can add others. Faces are people, and people all have stories.
What a great artist review, thank you. Can’t wait to see how your art progresses.
What a great artist review, thank you. Can’t wait to see how your art progresses.
What a great artist review, thank you. Can’t wait to see how your art progresses.
What a great artist review, thank you. Can’t wait to see how your art progresses.
What a great artist review, thank you. Can’t wait to see how your art progresses.
thanks for your insight! I have always loved Chagall.. since my mom bought me a book about him as a kid! I have seen his work in Israel and a wonderful exhibit at The Royal Academy in London in 1985!
thanks for your insight! I have always loved Chagall.. since my mom bought me a book about him as a kid! I have seen his work in Israel and a wonderful exhibit at The Royal Academy in London in 1985!
thanks for your insight! I have always loved Chagall.. since my mom bought me a book about him as a kid! I have seen his work in Israel and a wonderful exhibit at The Royal Academy in London in 1985!
thanks for your insight! I have always loved Chagall.. since my mom bought me a book about him as a kid! I have seen his work in Israel and a wonderful exhibit at The Royal Academy in London in 1985!
thanks for your insight! I have always loved Chagall.. since my mom bought me a book about him as a kid! I have seen his work in Israel and a wonderful exhibit at The Royal Academy in London in 1985!
oooooooh, that has got my brain cogs turning too, thanks for sharing your lightbulb moment!
oooooooh, that has got my brain cogs turning too, thanks for sharing your lightbulb moment!
oooooooh, that has got my brain cogs turning too, thanks for sharing your lightbulb moment!
oooooooh, that has got my brain cogs turning too, thanks for sharing your lightbulb moment!
oooooooh, that has got my brain cogs turning too, thanks for sharing your lightbulb moment!
I look forward to see where your storytelling takes you and know that you will freely share your work with us, your loyal fans.
I don’t even hope to create art that shares “huge” stories but my LO’s do tell a story of the day/event/moment and I do hope that my son (and others) will enjoy them now and when I’m no longer on this planet.
I look forward to see where your storytelling takes you and know that you will freely share your work with us, your loyal fans.
I don’t even hope to create art that shares “huge” stories but my LO’s do tell a story of the day/event/moment and I do hope that my son (and others) will enjoy them now and when I’m no longer on this planet.
I look forward to see where your storytelling takes you and know that you will freely share your work with us, your loyal fans.
I don’t even hope to create art that shares “huge” stories but my LO’s do tell a story of the day/event/moment and I do hope that my son (and others) will enjoy them now and when I’m no longer on this planet.
I look forward to see where your storytelling takes you and know that you will freely share your work with us, your loyal fans.
I don’t even hope to create art that shares “huge” stories but my LO’s do tell a story of the day/event/moment and I do hope that my son (and others) will enjoy them now and when I’m no longer on this planet.
I look forward to see where your storytelling takes you and know that you will freely share your work with us, your loyal fans.
I don’t even hope to create art that shares “huge” stories but my LO’s do tell a story of the day/event/moment and I do hope that my son (and others) will enjoy them now and when I’m no longer on this planet.
Hi Julie, I’ve been meaning to write to ask you if you can recommend paint for fabric. Since I met you on 21 Secrets a few years ago, I’ve tried the mixed media/paper route and even though I’ve amassed a (big) box of potential collage material (and continue to save everything that looks interesting) I am really a textile person at heart. I bought a jelli plate and want to try using that with fabric, but I’m not sure what paint to use. I’d like the paint to be not heavy on the fabric but more like soaking in. Thanks for any suggestions.
Hi Julie, I’ve been meaning to write to ask you if you can recommend paint for fabric. Since I met you on 21 Secrets a few years ago, I’ve tried the mixed media/paper route and even though I’ve amassed a (big) box of potential collage material (and continue to save everything that looks interesting) I am really a textile person at heart. I bought a jelli plate and want to try using that with fabric, but I’m not sure what paint to use. I’d like the paint to be not heavy on the fabric but more like soaking in. Thanks for any suggestions.
Hi Julie, I’ve been meaning to write to ask you if you can recommend paint for fabric. Since I met you on 21 Secrets a few years ago, I’ve tried the mixed media/paper route and even though I’ve amassed a (big) box of potential collage material (and continue to save everything that looks interesting) I am really a textile person at heart. I bought a jelli plate and want to try using that with fabric, but I’m not sure what paint to use. I’d like the paint to be not heavy on the fabric but more like soaking in. Thanks for any suggestions.
Hi Julie, I’ve been meaning to write to ask you if you can recommend paint for fabric. Since I met you on 21 Secrets a few years ago, I’ve tried the mixed media/paper route and even though I’ve amassed a (big) box of potential collage material (and continue to save everything that looks interesting) I am really a textile person at heart. I bought a jelli plate and want to try using that with fabric, but I’m not sure what paint to use. I’d like the paint to be not heavy on the fabric but more like soaking in. Thanks for any suggestions.
Hi Julie, I’ve been meaning to write to ask you if you can recommend paint for fabric. Since I met you on 21 Secrets a few years ago, I’ve tried the mixed media/paper route and even though I’ve amassed a (big) box of potential collage material (and continue to save everything that looks interesting) I am really a textile person at heart. I bought a jelli plate and want to try using that with fabric, but I’m not sure what paint to use. I’d like the paint to be not heavy on the fabric but more like soaking in. Thanks for any suggestions.
Thank you for the insights. As a scrapbooker I feel I am telling a story through my eyes. I am grateful to share a part of your journey.
Thank you for the insights. As a scrapbooker I feel I am telling a story through my eyes. I am grateful to share a part of your journey.
Thank you for the insights. As a scrapbooker I feel I am telling a story through my eyes. I am grateful to share a part of your journey.
Thank you for the insights. As a scrapbooker I feel I am telling a story through my eyes. I am grateful to share a part of your journey.
Thank you for the insights. As a scrapbooker I feel I am telling a story through my eyes. I am grateful to share a part of your journey.
Such a great post! I really loved reading about this moment of self-realization and the inspiration to try a new type of storytelling. (I should accuse you of doing the same to me!) I love to “read” the stories in paintings. Your faces do lend a narrative, but it will be fun to see what’s next!
Such a great post! I really loved reading about this moment of self-realization and the inspiration to try a new type of storytelling. (I should accuse you of doing the same to me!) I love to “read” the stories in paintings. Your faces do lend a narrative, but it will be fun to see what’s next!
Such a great post! I really loved reading about this moment of self-realization and the inspiration to try a new type of storytelling. (I should accuse you of doing the same to me!) I love to “read” the stories in paintings. Your faces do lend a narrative, but it will be fun to see what’s next!
Such a great post! I really loved reading about this moment of self-realization and the inspiration to try a new type of storytelling. (I should accuse you of doing the same to me!) I love to “read” the stories in paintings. Your faces do lend a narrative, but it will be fun to see what’s next!
Such a great post! I really loved reading about this moment of self-realization and the inspiration to try a new type of storytelling. (I should accuse you of doing the same to me!) I love to “read” the stories in paintings. Your faces do lend a narrative, but it will be fun to see what’s next!
I see what you’re saying and am excited to see what this provokes in your artistic journey. But I do think your paintings, while not being stories, evoke feelings. I am aware of a personality who is feeling something when I look at your faces and in turn am made to feel something.
I see what you’re saying and am excited to see what this provokes in your artistic journey. But I do think your paintings, while not being stories, evoke feelings. I am aware of a personality who is feeling something when I look at your faces and in turn am made to feel something.
I see what you’re saying and am excited to see what this provokes in your artistic journey. But I do think your paintings, while not being stories, evoke feelings. I am aware of a personality who is feeling something when I look at your faces and in turn am made to feel something.
I see what you’re saying and am excited to see what this provokes in your artistic journey. But I do think your paintings, while not being stories, evoke feelings. I am aware of a personality who is feeling something when I look at your faces and in turn am made to feel something.
I see what you’re saying and am excited to see what this provokes in your artistic journey. But I do think your paintings, while not being stories, evoke feelings. I am aware of a personality who is feeling something when I look at your faces and in turn am made to feel something.
Julie,
You are such a ‘mind bender’!
Your trips to museums, journal pages, blogs, tutorials,
classes, even the photo sharing have a way of jogging our
thinking. They remind us to view the masters, but as
productive artists with minds of our own.
Thanks so much for sharing all your art and thoughts with us.
Thus helping us to create our own ‘stories’.
Julie,
You are such a ‘mind bender’!
Your trips to museums, journal pages, blogs, tutorials,
classes, even the photo sharing have a way of jogging our
thinking. They remind us to view the masters, but as
productive artists with minds of our own.
Thanks so much for sharing all your art and thoughts with us.
Thus helping us to create our own ‘stories’.
Julie,
You are such a ‘mind bender’!
Your trips to museums, journal pages, blogs, tutorials,
classes, even the photo sharing have a way of jogging our
thinking. They remind us to view the masters, but as
productive artists with minds of our own.
Thanks so much for sharing all your art and thoughts with us.
Thus helping us to create our own ‘stories’.
Julie,
You are such a ‘mind bender’!
Your trips to museums, journal pages, blogs, tutorials,
classes, even the photo sharing have a way of jogging our
thinking. They remind us to view the masters, but as
productive artists with minds of our own.
Thanks so much for sharing all your art and thoughts with us.
Thus helping us to create our own ‘stories’.
Julie,
You are such a ‘mind bender’!
Your trips to museums, journal pages, blogs, tutorials,
classes, even the photo sharing have a way of jogging our
thinking. They remind us to view the masters, but as
productive artists with minds of our own.
Thanks so much for sharing all your art and thoughts with us.
Thus helping us to create our own ‘stories’.
I have always LOVED Chagall! And I envy your ability to go to all the wonderful art museums in NYC!! I used to do museum hopping a lot when I lived in Philly. I miss that! I disagree with you that your art has no story. Your colorful faces and patterns tell the story of joy and passion! Not everything needs a deep meaning. I can’t wait to see how your new found inspiration comes out in your art! Thanks for sharing.
I have always LOVED Chagall! And I envy your ability to go to all the wonderful art museums in NYC!! I used to do museum hopping a lot when I lived in Philly. I miss that! I disagree with you that your art has no story. Your colorful faces and patterns tell the story of joy and passion! Not everything needs a deep meaning. I can’t wait to see how your new found inspiration comes out in your art! Thanks for sharing.
I have always LOVED Chagall! And I envy your ability to go to all the wonderful art museums in NYC!! I used to do museum hopping a lot when I lived in Philly. I miss that! I disagree with you that your art has no story. Your colorful faces and patterns tell the story of joy and passion! Not everything needs a deep meaning. I can’t wait to see how your new found inspiration comes out in your art! Thanks for sharing.
I have always LOVED Chagall! And I envy your ability to go to all the wonderful art museums in NYC!! I used to do museum hopping a lot when I lived in Philly. I miss that! I disagree with you that your art has no story. Your colorful faces and patterns tell the story of joy and passion! Not everything needs a deep meaning. I can’t wait to see how your new found inspiration comes out in your art! Thanks for sharing.
I have always LOVED Chagall! And I envy your ability to go to all the wonderful art museums in NYC!! I used to do museum hopping a lot when I lived in Philly. I miss that! I disagree with you that your art has no story. Your colorful faces and patterns tell the story of joy and passion! Not everything needs a deep meaning. I can’t wait to see how your new found inspiration comes out in your art! Thanks for sharing.
Amazing! I love Marc Chagall too. He is one of most favorite painters. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing! I love Marc Chagall too. He is one of most favorite painters. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing! I love Marc Chagall too. He is one of most favorite painters. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing! I love Marc Chagall too. He is one of most favorite painters. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing! I love Marc Chagall too. He is one of most favorite painters. Thanks for sharing.
I too am a Chagall lover, and I live in Chicago so I see him often. Your post here was absorbing and touched a chord. I do mixed media pieces large and small, and have often felt the symbols I want to use are too personal. You have to be willing to lay yourself wide open to “tell stories” like Chagall does. This process can be extremely painful and difficult, for me still impossible. Great artists, like great actors, give themselves to the world in ways I both fear and admire.
I too am a Chagall lover, and I live in Chicago so I see him often. Your post here was absorbing and touched a chord. I do mixed media pieces large and small, and have often felt the symbols I want to use are too personal. You have to be willing to lay yourself wide open to “tell stories” like Chagall does. This process can be extremely painful and difficult, for me still impossible. Great artists, like great actors, give themselves to the world in ways I both fear and admire.
I too am a Chagall lover, and I live in Chicago so I see him often. Your post here was absorbing and touched a chord. I do mixed media pieces large and small, and have often felt the symbols I want to use are too personal. You have to be willing to lay yourself wide open to “tell stories” like Chagall does. This process can be extremely painful and difficult, for me still impossible. Great artists, like great actors, give themselves to the world in ways I both fear and admire.
I too am a Chagall lover, and I live in Chicago so I see him often. Your post here was absorbing and touched a chord. I do mixed media pieces large and small, and have often felt the symbols I want to use are too personal. You have to be willing to lay yourself wide open to “tell stories” like Chagall does. This process can be extremely painful and difficult, for me still impossible. Great artists, like great actors, give themselves to the world in ways I both fear and admire.
I too am a Chagall lover, and I live in Chicago so I see him often. Your post here was absorbing and touched a chord. I do mixed media pieces large and small, and have often felt the symbols I want to use are too personal. You have to be willing to lay yourself wide open to “tell stories” like Chagall does. This process can be extremely painful and difficult, for me still impossible. Great artists, like great actors, give themselves to the world in ways I both fear and admire.
this was such an interesting exhibit and I was very moved too by the paintings in the room after his wife passed away. You could really feel the pathos in his work… I was similar;y struck by the differences in his art to mine– but not so much a lack of narrative but the lack of pathos. My art is very bright and happy. ( but then again, Chagall’s more famous and commercial art was also bright and happy!) I was also struck by how BRAVE he was to paint with obvious Jewish iconography during a time when Jews were being persecuted throughout Europe.
this was such an interesting exhibit and I was very moved too by the paintings in the room after his wife passed away. You could really feel the pathos in his work… I was similar;y struck by the differences in his art to mine– but not so much a lack of narrative but the lack of pathos. My art is very bright and happy. ( but then again, Chagall’s more famous and commercial art was also bright and happy!) I was also struck by how BRAVE he was to paint with obvious Jewish iconography during a time when Jews were being persecuted throughout Europe.
this was such an interesting exhibit and I was very moved too by the paintings in the room after his wife passed away. You could really feel the pathos in his work… I was similar;y struck by the differences in his art to mine– but not so much a lack of narrative but the lack of pathos. My art is very bright and happy. ( but then again, Chagall’s more famous and commercial art was also bright and happy!) I was also struck by how BRAVE he was to paint with obvious Jewish iconography during a time when Jews were being persecuted throughout Europe.
this was such an interesting exhibit and I was very moved too by the paintings in the room after his wife passed away. You could really feel the pathos in his work… I was similar;y struck by the differences in his art to mine– but not so much a lack of narrative but the lack of pathos. My art is very bright and happy. ( but then again, Chagall’s more famous and commercial art was also bright and happy!) I was also struck by how BRAVE he was to paint with obvious Jewish iconography during a time when Jews were being persecuted throughout Europe.
this was such an interesting exhibit and I was very moved too by the paintings in the room after his wife passed away. You could really feel the pathos in his work… I was similar;y struck by the differences in his art to mine– but not so much a lack of narrative but the lack of pathos. My art is very bright and happy. ( but then again, Chagall’s more famous and commercial art was also bright and happy!) I was also struck by how BRAVE he was to paint with obvious Jewish iconography during a time when Jews were being persecuted throughout Europe.
Thank you so much for this post. I envy your proximity to great art. Please continue to share these experiences. They, like your own art, are inspiring.
Thank you so much for this post. I envy your proximity to great art. Please continue to share these experiences. They, like your own art, are inspiring.
Thank you so much for this post. I envy your proximity to great art. Please continue to share these experiences. They, like your own art, are inspiring.
Thank you so much for this post. I envy your proximity to great art. Please continue to share these experiences. They, like your own art, are inspiring.
Thank you so much for this post. I envy your proximity to great art. Please continue to share these experiences. They, like your own art, are inspiring.
Try Judy Shea’s blog
Try Judy Shea’s blog
Try Judy Shea’s blog
Try Judy Shea’s blog
Try Judy Shea’s blog