52Frames Reflections Weekly Photo Challenge

The subject this week for the 52Frames photo challenge was “reflections” - either contemplating something or mirror images - whichever struck your fancy.  So we set out on the National Mall in search of something. I have photographed the Capitol so many times before so we went to the National Gallery of Art. In front of the building is a huge sculpture that was being washed by the staff. That made for some interesting images. Inside we visited the new textile exhibit. I took several photos there for my daily blog. On the outside are a bunch of glass pyramids in between the east and west building. We spent a lot of time trying to find the right angles. And on the way back to the car the American Indian Museum offers some cool options in the windows above the stream. Later in the week we were driving through Arlington and the tall glass buildings offered some interesting perspectives. After checking all of the photos there was one that my husband liked of some people observing the art - they were reflecting and being reflected. This photo was really cropped and edited - eliminating a third person and changing the overall color to eliminate distracting elements. I rather liked the composite I made of a woman taking her own photo in the glass pyramid - then adding two more and creating a more whimsical view. My husband just didn’t like it. So I posted the photo he liked and he is usually right. But I’m not happy about the entry this week. 

Hirshhorn Simone Leigh Exhibit

We haven’t been to the Hirshhorn Art Museum for quite some time. So last week we took a ride in to town for a morning walk, parked at the Tidal Basin, and walked towards the Smithsonian Castle. After walking through the gardens that still have Christmas decorations in place, we noticed that the sculpture garden across the street was totally dug up and is being restored. Several of the outdoor sculptures have been moved to the Museum grounds. While inside we walked through the three levels to see what was new. And there was the Simone Leigh exhibit. It was actually quite interesting. What I liked most about it was the simplicity of the work and the way each piece was displayed - starting with the grass skirted item at the entrance. The lighting was really nice and the exhibit rooms were stark. It seemed like we were the only people there - and that made it even better. Some of the wall art was less liked - the bananas didn’t do much for me. But each room had a unique feel and style. We like being able to stop in whenever we like and have an opportunity to see the artwork. Another exhibit is being prepared so it will be fun to come back whenever it opens. When the sun comes out and spring is on the way there is never a better feeling. This was one of those days. 

Hirshhorn Building and Grounds

We hadn’t been to the city for a while. On Friday we were expecting temps in the 70’s. After a week or more of ice, snow, rain, fog and ugly weather, we thought a morning walk on the National Mall was in order. We parked by the Tidal Baisn and rather than go to the Lincoln Memorial, we walked in the opposite direction towards the Smithsonian Castle. I thought there were a couple of new exhibits at the Hirshhorn Art Museum, so after we walked through the Mary Livingston garden we went inside the building to see what was up. The main exhibit area was being prepared for a future show, so we walked through the Jessica Diamond and Simone Leigh galleries. The views overlooking the mall are really lovely. But what was even more striking than what was on the inside of the building caught my attention on the outside. After passing by the entrance lobby area where there is a coffee shop with a great view of the fountain that isn’t on now, we exited on to the plaza. The outdoor sculpture garden across the street is totally being renovated. So a lot of the pieces have been moved to the Hirshhorn grounds, and not in the most exciting spots. There are tables set up outside for warmer weather and sitting about. But this wasn’t a day for that - still a bit wet. There was a great view of the Capitol beneath the building overhang, centered by more sculpture pieces. On the way back to the car you could feel the temps getting warmer. It was a lovely walk. 

Hirshhorn Visit

It was quite breezy this morning and we hadn’t been away from home this week for a morning walk. We were hanging around the neighborhood park all week due to the cloudy, foggy, and rainy conditions. It was a brilliant blue sky today so we decided to take a ride in to town. We parked in our old Capitol Hill neighborhood and walked towards the house office buildings, through the botanical gardens, past the American Indian Museum, the Air and Space Museum and in to the Hirshhorn Museum. It was too late to get tickets for the exhibit, so we went in just to see what was new - and were rather disappointed. The entire second floor was under construction for a new exhibit or two. A lot of what was on the third floor didn’t seem like anything new - but it wasn’t very impressive either. I can’t remember any one thing that really was to our taste. Maybe that’s why we always prefer the National gallery of Art that has something for everyone. I’m certainly not an art expert of any kind but really don’t get a lot of what’s in there! Luckily we always have a lot of opportunities to visit and see the changing exhibits - as long as you don’t need a pass to get it in. On the lower level there is the gift shop and on this day there were activities for the kids. We are always happy to check things out - but this time we left is a bit underwhelmed.