museums Archives - CLEVERcreating

Inspiring Spanish Sculptor Juan Muñoz Commemorated in 2023

October 25, 2023October 22, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

In 2023 sculptor Juan Muñoz would have turned 70. He died way too young, obviously, at the age of 48. Yet he leaves behind an impressive number of sculptures and drawings with enormous expressive power.

It is not entirely coincidental that Tom and I have seen much of his work in Spain. We are both fans!

To commemorate him, there were exhibitions of his work in various places in Spain in 2022/2023. Although the best-known of his works were on display in several of them, the exhibitions were very diverse, each with a different emphasis on a particular period.

What Styles or Subjects Inspired Visual Artists in the 1960s?

October 6, 2023October 6, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

In the last quarter of 1969, aged 16, I went to Art school to become a teacher in visual arts and crafts. At that time I did not read any national or international newspapers, my parents were subscribed to the local newspaper.

The turbulent 1968 and the artistic expressions of that time had passed me by completely unnoticed. The academy became a pressure cooker of historical insight and political awareness.

I was lucky that my art history and art appreciation teachers were very enthusiastic and were really good at transferring their enthusiasm to their students. Not just on visual artists in the 1960s of course, but on art history in general.

Enjoy Art for Free with these 17 Attractive Tips

September 25, 2023September 25, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Art sometimes has an elitist character. Artists are partly the cause of this – yes, guilty, me too at times *blushing* – by stating that the public does not understand our art and thus creating an unnecessary distance.

Self-proclaimed art lovers are partly the cause of this by being haughty and feeling they stand above the masses. While of course, everyone can enjoy art. And don’t worry: not all art needs to be understood or even liked.

In my (free) eBook “How to get the most out of a visit to the museum” I give tips to enjoy art, but museums usually require an entrance fee.

So how can you enjoy art for free?

Postmodern Architecture and my 3 Favourite Heroes

January 25, 2024August 18, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Architecture has become more interesting since the 1970s than it was before. The New Objectivity movement was sleek and practical, but it ran the risk of becoming boring. A much-needed change was brought about by postmodern building.

The term postmodern architecture (1970s-present) is confusing in my opinion, as is the name modern or modernist architecture (1890s-1970s). Modern means contemporary while by now the modernist architecture movement is almost obsolete.

After all, what should the next movement be called, post-postmodern? But since this is the term everyone uses, I comply. 🙂

Finding Special Places of Culture and Modern Art in Madrid

May 12, 2023May 12, 2023 by Hannie Mommers

Our family lives in a suburb of Madrid with an excellent train connection to the city, so we can often be found there. Especially since there is hardly any modern culture in our own village.

Until recently I appreciated Barcelona and Valencia more than Madrid, but now that we are getting to know the city better, that is changing.

It is of course still the case that the distances to interesting places remain large, but public transport is good. There is also beautiful culture and modern art in Madrid beyond the large, overcrowded museums, which makes a visit pleasant.