I recently enjoyed a few virtual museum events. Earlier this year I felt a bit disengaged, and missed in-person happenings, but these talks, screenings, and online exhibits kept me active.
Nasher Sculpture Center
The Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas hosts various programs, including the Art and Health Series. I joined a Zoom talk with Bonnie Pitman on The Cultural Impact of Pandemics, which was very informative and relevant to current happenings, as she tied together health-related topics with art history, followed by a live Q&A. I look forward to her future talks.
Metropolitan Museum
As part of their 150 year celebration, the Metropolitan Museum of New York releases a new film every week from their vault, dating all the way back to 1920, including documentaries, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories. Most films are short, while others run up to an hour, covering a range of topics. I recently saw a film on anamorphosis, the art of creating illusions, and it was pretty neat to see how visual tricks can alter the viewers perception.
J. Paul Getty Museum
The Troubadour Theater Company produced The ODDyssey earlier this summer, presented by the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. A modern rendition of Homer’s classic, set in a video chat atmosphere, the series felt like a breath of fresh air. They are still available on YouTube for those who missed the livestream, plus a bonus meet the cast reunion episode with classical archaeologist and classicist Dr. Shelby Brown. Additionally, the Getty has a large online collection of past exhibitions that I enjoy browsing through occasionally.
These are just a few of my favorites so far, and I would love to explore more museums virtually. What are your favorite virtual exhibits or events? I like many topics and mediums, and would love to explore more contemporary art, so send recommendations my way.
Notes of Currant 