In Atlanta

I finally got to visit the High Museum of Art. This is a fabulous Richard Meier-designed building that opened to rave reviews in 1983 (has it been that long?). In 1991, the American Institute of Architects cited the High as one of the “ten best works of American architecture of the 1980s.” It’s the third Meier museum I’ve been in. The Getty and Des Moines Art Center are the other two. All three have elements that bear the architect’s signature–that make a "Meier a Meier." But I’m not an architecture critic, so I’ll move on.

I was most taken with the exhibition "Morris Louis Now." I have never been a fan of Louis. It seems as though his Unfurled series was what was most often acclaimed and reproduced and I didn’t understand the fascination with them. But, dare I say it? WOW! There is very little better than being in a room surrounded by Morris Louis Veils. I had the sense–simultaneously–of being at the bottom of a canyon, at the foot of waterfalls, or in a room full of Medieval tapestries. (Did I mention these babies are really, really big? And he painted them all in a 12×14′ former dining room?) By the way, they were showing excerpts from a film titled "Morris Louis . . . " which was fabulous. I really would like to see that whole documentary–nab it if you get the chance.

Okay, the only thing as good to being with a room full of Veils is a room full of Ellsworth Kellys. Check.

I’m happy now!

Image: Morris Louis, Blue Veil, 1958-59. (Sorry, I had a hard time finding an image and can’t find proper credit for this one. Google Images has this on a Dartmouth page, but I can’t find it on the Hood Museum of Art website.