The Denver Art Museum

My visit to the Denver Art Museum was brief but inspiring. I visited the museum on a Saturday afternoon, the day before its massive King Tut Exhibit was closing and, as a result,  it was pretty mobbed. But, since I was interested in the rest of the museum, the crowds were really not a problem.

I headed first for the floor that specifically had the words, Textile Art, in its description. Keeping in mind that there is another museum in downtown Denver, the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Arts, that I would assume has a good deal of textiles in it, I did not expect to find an abundance of quilt art in the Denver Art Museum. What I found was one room with some massive traditional quilts. The quilts were amazing in their artistry and the manner of display really took your breath away.

When I think back on my visit to the Museum, one of the most outstanding points was perhaps the spaciousness of the exhibits. The Hamilton Building, which housed the King Tut exhibit, along with Western American and Modern and Contemporary art, is a unique titanium structure designed by architect Daniel Libeskind.

Designed by Daniel Libeskind

Another major building in the complex is a castle-like structure designed by Gio Ponti of Milan, Italy. As a result, the galleries for exhibits all allow for spacious displays which give the viewer perspective as well as the ability to get up close and appreciate individual works.

Gallery in the Asian Collection

I found myself fascinated with intricate designs and rich colors where ever I wandered.

An Iranian earthenware dish from the 900s

A section of a wooden palace facade from the Swat Valley in Pakistan from 1835. 

Wandering through the museum for the short amount of time that I had only whet my appetite for more exploration of art in Denver when I return in May for the SAQA Vision Conference!

Extra Note on Giveaway

I was taking a few minutes to just browse some of the blogs that I follow and just have to mention that Jane Sassaman is giving away a copy of Noriko Endo's new book, Confetti Landscape on her blog. Noriko's work looks amazing. Check it out if you have time!