Every museum is interesting in it’s own way. The layout. The permanent and temporary exhibits. Even the cafés. Moderna Museet in Stockholm was a step above others I visited. A lobby saturated with natural light. One main floor with a few rooms. Spacious and airy. And most importantly, an amazing modern art collection.
I joined the English-speaking guided tour and found out how Sweden came to possess so many pieces you would expect to be in Paris or New York. Long story short – after WWII countries needed money so they sold off artwork. Sweden was neutral throughout the war and was able to purchase pieces.
Let me start over. Last week, I started listening to a new podcast – A Piece of Work. The host, Abbi Jacobson (of the awesome show Broad City), walks the MoMA with museum curators, musicians, writers and other creatives. She and Questlove discuss Yves Klein and this color called ultramarine blue. I view images of his work online as I’m listening; the blue is mesmerizing. I keep thinking, “How soon can I get to the MoMA?”
The guided tour ends. I turn the corner and on the left wall, this painting. I gasped. Covered my mouth. Threw up my hands. Looked around for a witness to this museum miracle. Right there. I shed one tear. I had a serious moment. A couple entered the room entered, the woman’s eyes wide. I said, “It’s beautiful.” She agreed.
And there was a giant 10 x 13 ft Matisse. It’s love and playfulness filling the room.
The Jam 