In the United States on the third Monday of the month of February we celebrate a holiday called President's Day. This day was set aside to honor our Presidents. Since it is close to Washington's birthday, our first president, we Americans are very efficient and made it into two holidays. We also combined Abraham Lincoln's birthday into the celebration since his falls into the middle of the month. Are we not efficient? If we were one of the more socialist countries we would certainly make sure that we had three full days to holiday during the month of February. But we are a nation that honors that Puritan work ethic...or pretends to.
Since we have long since given up treating our country's leaders with any respect as they continue to prove our idiocy in electing them, this holiday is somewhat an anachronism for us. Citizens usually shop (President's Day sales), sleep, drink, or get together with friends and eat. Rarely does anyone discuss anything about our Presidents --- past, present or future.
During this past President's Day (February 20) we, like many grandparents, babysat our grandchildren since most schools are closed. But on the Sunday before, I decided I wanted to see the Annie Leibovitz photographic exhibit that was free at our Smithsonian Museum of American Art. I was not allowed to take photos at this exhibit, so if you want more information about this artist and the exhibit you need to go here. She is a very interesting lady!
The Museum of American Art was completely remodeled a few years ago and it is just lovely.
Anyway, I was allowed to take photos in the President's Portrait Gallery wing which was just down the hall and therefore, I will share some (just a few) of those with you. I know that this is the first time in my life I have even been in this gallery and certainly the first time close to the holiday that honors them. I am sure you will notice the tremendous variety of artistic styles and one has to assume that the President's approved of these...although in some cases I wonder why.
Since we have long since given up treating our country's leaders with any respect as they continue to prove our idiocy in electing them, this holiday is somewhat an anachronism for us. Citizens usually shop (President's Day sales), sleep, drink, or get together with friends and eat. Rarely does anyone discuss anything about our Presidents --- past, present or future.
During this past President's Day (February 20) we, like many grandparents, babysat our grandchildren since most schools are closed. But on the Sunday before, I decided I wanted to see the Annie Leibovitz photographic exhibit that was free at our Smithsonian Museum of American Art. I was not allowed to take photos at this exhibit, so if you want more information about this artist and the exhibit you need to go here. She is a very interesting lady!
The Museum of American Art was completely remodeled a few years ago and it is just lovely.
Anyway, I was allowed to take photos in the President's Portrait Gallery wing which was just down the hall and therefore, I will share some (just a few) of those with you. I know that this is the first time in my life I have even been in this gallery and certainly the first time close to the holiday that honors them. I am sure you will notice the tremendous variety of artistic styles and one has to assume that the President's approved of these...although in some cases I wonder why.
Weird, that you should be able to take photos of old presidents and not Annie Leibowitz photography.
ReplyDeletePerhaps her work is subversive whereas Presidents are just old hat?
PS: I also left a comment on your science post. I don't want you to miss it because I've gone dismissive of a certain aspect of US policy. I feel really brave.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter would love that AL exhibit. Hope it travels. (Like it would ever get to our little burg...)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know President's Day in the States, which we can't think of in Japan for sure. Nowadays we Japanese never respect our leader, in fact we are repeatedly disappointed at him.
ReplyDeleteI like the intensity of JFK but poor Clinton looks like Bozo the Clown...
ReplyDeleteThose are absolutely fascinating. I so want to see the Liebowitz show too. Hopefully we will be there in October for a week....just to play tourist at the Smithsonian.
ReplyDeleteYRN: Any, but mainly Right leaning. Those of non-flexibility and lack of humor.
A shame really that you couldn't share Annie's work. Much more appealing I would think
ReplyDeleteHugs
SueAnn
I actually recognice them all...
ReplyDeletePhoto flashes may damage photos, n old paintings too- but I'm sure the concern is for pirating the artist images-
I think the holiday was only for either buying a new car or some white goods! I didn't shop, I get to work every single week-end! 3-dayers are extra orders n 3 busy nights in a row. ugh!
Good for you- I'm due for a cultural field day...
I agree with Pauline. Poor Clinton. He looks almost W.C. Field or like he has rosacea. That bulbous nose. I believe he does have rosacea?
ReplyDeleteI too, love the painting of JFK.
I agree with Pauline. Poor Clinton. He looks almost W.C. Field or like he has rosacea. That bulbous nose. I believe he does have rosacea?
ReplyDeleteI too, love the painting of JFK.
I like Ike
ReplyDeleteThank you for a delightful tour
ReplyDeleteon this day that seems like
winter has returned
cold and windy.
Thank you for comments when I have a problem.
You are special :)
I had Jamie and 2 grandchildren on President's day. A nice visit..
I used to love to see the official portrait painting of each President but now I realize I haven't seen one in a very long time. Thanks for sharing some of them.
ReplyDeleteDear Tabor....it arrived. I'll post pictures of the photo and of the wrapping tomorrow. Please tell both artists that I am totally charmed. I know I'm a lucky person to have this kind of art in my life. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
Dear you....there's pictures and art on my walls today. Thank you so very much for letting us all take part in this. Here's a long distance hug from the fogs of winter.
ReplyDeleteRYN Saturday: Oh, I grovel. I was so excited to see that it wasn't damaged, I did hang it upside down. I've corrected my error, and I do apologize.
ReplyDeleteI, like many here in the UK and no doubt, plenty in the US, go rather 'numb' when it comes to politicians. However, one of the things we have in common, and that we can be extremely proud of, is the way they 'walk' when they are defeated. What a contrast to the terrible things happening in places like Syria and current stories of fixed elections! Wow, don't think I've ever done a political comment before!
ReplyDelete