A post on one of my favorite blogs, Things That Inspire, last week on the Tate Modern Gallery in London got me thinking how much I regret not going when I was there a few years back. Our visit to London was at the end of a 3 month trek through Europe and my husband and I had seen just about as much art as we could possibly deal with. Had I known at the time though, that the Tate houses my favorite painting, by one of my favorite artists, I would have been there in a flash. “A little night music” (above) was painted by Dorothea Tanning in 1946. I’ve always been a fan of the surrealist movement, and have recently discovered other female surrealists whose work I admire. For anyone that might be interested, there is an amazing gallery in San Francisco (never visited, but have spoken to the gallery owner on the phone) – they are one of the only – if not the only – galleries worldwide to specialise in female surrealists. Frey Norris is definitely worth the visit if you live in or are visiting the area.
So thanks to Sarah for the inspiration – I have been checking out cheap flights to London ever since and am happily thinking of our next trip!
Hi Patricia – I know, its such a shame. But I guess its a sign you’ve had a good time if you want to go back and see more. There are a few great books out on female surrealists – the one I’m currently reading is soley on Dorothea Tanning – if you check out Amazon (or other bookstores) there is a great looking one I’m yet to read called “Women artists and the surrealist movement” by Whitney Chadwick.
Hi Sarah – Thanks, it was my pleasure. I know what you mean about being on a mission in galleries, there is always so much to see and you really need to be focussed or you can lose track of what you’re there for.
There is always something fantastic that is enevitably missed on a trip, but that is what makes travelling so exciting. Thanks for the tip on the San Francisco gallery and the inspiration you have given me to know more about female surrealists.
Thanks for the mention! I love the painting that you posted. I do not remember seeing it, but the Tate Modern is a massive place with so much amazing art, and I was on a mission to see Rothko. The Cy Twombly paintings happened to be near the Rothkos!