May flowers, of course! So we’re hoping that this stormy day is a good sign for the plants on our grounds in the upcoming month! In the meantime, we’ve been enjoying our flowers blooming in the galleries. Come to the DMA today to see these works of art that are sprouting with petals and leaves, without having to reset your perm!
Jar with Avanyu and Feather Motifs, Vangie Tafoya, c. 1993, Dallas Museum of Art, The Otis and Velma Davis Dozier Fund, and gift of Faith P. Bybee by exchange.
Flowers, Jim Love, 1996, Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Bill Womack in honor of Carl Barnett.
Retablo, n.d., Mexican, Dallas Museum of Art,gift of Mrs. Arthur Kramer, Sr.
Cabinet, c. 1680–1700, located in the Spanish Colonial gallery, Dallas Museum of Art, gift of The Eugene McDermott Foundation, in honor of Carol and Richard Brettell.
Portrait of an Arhat, 17th century, Japanese, Dallas Museum of Art, the Roberta Coke Camp Fund and Lillian B. Clark.
Plaque with single figure, 16th–17th century, Benin, Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc.
Hydrangea, Nokamura Hochu, Early 19th century, Dallas Museum of Art, bequest of Dorace M. Fichtenbaum.
Plate, 18th century, located in the South Asian art gallery, Dallas Museum of Art, bequest of Sarah Dorsey Brown Hudson.
Still Life: Bouquet with Compotier, Henri Matisse, 1924, Dallas Museum of Art, The Eugene and Margaret McDermott Art Fund, Inc., in honor of Dr. Bryan Williams.
Untitled (Field of Bluebonnets), Julian Onderdonk, 1918-1920, Dallas Museum of Art, bequest of Margaret M. Ferris.
Whitney Sirois McDermott Graduate Intern for Gallery and Community Teaching
As a native Texan, it is ingrained in me to celebrate the rain whenever it decides to appear. As a child, I thought rainy days should be treated like snow days – with a day off from school!If you are like me and struggle with being productive on those rare rainy days in Dallas, I encourage you to play hooky and view the DMA’s collection in a new (darker and stormier) light. Below are my two favorite places at the DMA to celebrate Mother Nature’s greatest performance in Texas – a fall shower!
The Level 4 landing outside the Ancient American Art Galleries is the #1 spot in my opinion. You can observe a storm rolling in through the large window framed by our Dale Chihuly glass sculpture, Hart Window, or sit down in the corner windows with a friend and watch the raindrops fall on the trees.
This location is perfect because it is next to the head of the rain god Tlaloc. Among the cultures of Central Mexico during the 14th to 16th century, Tlaloc controlled rain, lightning, and thunder. According to DMA legend, every time Tlaloc is disturbed, rain will follow. It’s only fitting that the best seat in the house to watch a rainstorm would be right next to him! Find out more about Tlaloc and his rain powers on the DMA’s smartphone tour.
Another great spot to watch the rain is by the DMA’s Sculpture Garden. If you are prepared for the weather, walking around the garden during a light drizzle is quite lovely. But if you’d like to stay dry, I suggest sitting underneath Daniel Buren’s Sanction of the Museum, outside the Hoffman Galleries in the Concourse.
Perching here gives you a beautiful view of Ellsworth Kelly’s stainless steel piece Untitled as the water runs down its sides. Plus, with all the raindrops on the window you can pretend you’re outside instead of warm and cozy and surrounded by contemporary art!
If you’ve been lucky enough to catch a rainstorm here at the DMA, leave a comment and tell us your favorite rainy day art spots.
Madeleine Fitzgerald is the McDermott Education Intern for Adult Programming and Arts & Letters Live at the DMA.