I’m having a tough week. Lots of work. When I get home, it’s a bit difficult to get the load off. I want to relax, but it is as if my system was still running full speed. At times like these I look for detachment in art and entertainment. Beautiful bright colors can do wonders on my mood. The below pictures were taken at my fave’ Paris hangout, the Museum of Modern Art.

I have a project. I’m visiting the museum room by room. As the entrance to the permanent collections if free, I can afford taking my time. I usually have lunch at a nearby riverboat, or at the museum cafeteria before the visit. Then I hit some rooms and wonder amongst the stimulating images. I sit down, and maybe even write something in my notebook. Little haiku inspired poems – minimalist pictures of the passing life.

What is it about this museum that captivates me? First of all, I adore its location at the Seine riverbanks, overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Paris would be nothing without its cherished waterflow gently freshening the grayish city skyline. Secondly, I enjoy the atmosphere around the museum. Outside there are always a lot of young folks skateboarding or breakdancing. The museum visitors are a bit different, but this creates a nice contrast and an unusual, thus welcome cohabitation.

The building also hosts, at its other wing, The Tokyo Palace, a Japanese inspired cultural center. This makes it exiting being able to choose on the spot if one wants to emerge into this or that kind of atmosphere today. Both the Museum of Modern Art and the Tokyo Palace have a bookstore with some rare-to-find artsy books and magazines. I love dipping into all that overflow of pictorial impulses – all at once – and then escaping, discretely, into the outward world, carrying that something very special inside of me. Until I come back again. My sweet little getaway. Do you have one?

3 Responses to “Artsy Getaway”

1. audrey says:

   February 26, 2009 at 7:47 am

   dear Susu, i’m so pleased that these wonderful art spaces help to lift your heart. absolutely, you have the right idea… when feeling a bit overwhelmed run to art. it’s so good for the heart.

   i love this yellow sculpture, the color alone brings cheer!

   i do hope we get on well in person, we have soooo many things in common. i do this too. i go to the met museum and just roam around, i enjoy the space itself just as much as the masterpieces.

   and believe it or not, this past saturday i was feeling a bit blue and stumbled on an amazing japanese store with all kinds of goodies! true! i’ll show it to you when you pop in on new york:)

   until soon mon amie
2. kitty says:

   February 28, 2009 at 4:58 am

   aw, take care of yourself. Overwork is never fun.

   good you’re feeding your soul with interesting and beautiful things.
   I hope you’re relaxing this weekend!
3. Susu says:

   February 28, 2009 at 9:19 am

   Audrey – I too hope we get along in person. Art helps me to get my mind off of all the hard stuff in this world. Boy, was I relieved when leaving the office yesterday. Haven’t had a week this busy in a long while.

   Kitty – I’m trying to do my best in taking some distance from all the professional stuff. Have a good one, you too!