The Brooks Museum located in Overton Park in Memphis, is a small but diverse little place. Overton Park houses a band shell area, the Memphis Zoo, a nine hole golf course, some walking trails and provides enough shade and space for a parent to take the kiddies to for some blowing off of steam. It is located in the heart of the city and has been subject to past attempts carve it up for a highway link. When I lived in Midtown I jogged or walked there several times a week.
As is often the case in art and life, one dives in expecting to find one thing and emerges having found something entirely different. It is the discovery of the unexpected that often yields the most intrigue. I was restricted in my photo adventure because the very things I hoped to capture were in exhibits that did not allow any pictures.
I liked this sculpture outdoors because it had a "claymation" vibe.
The ancient tile representation of this ox or cow struck me because the eye stared at me.
I just flat out covet a vase because it is beautiful. Of course, in my household, the pooties would knock it over or stick their noses in.
This painting stuck me because the woman had one of those "stepford" wife smiles,in the 16th and 17th centuries, I imagine most of them did.
I liked this iron sculpture of a working man because it had a 1930's vibe. The idea that the ubiquitous working class man should be glorified in every day art seems to have slipped us by in this glorious century of service jobs and disappearing high tech opportunities.
These signs were commissioned as part of a publicity campaign in an unnamed city in Mexico to improve the annoying local macho culture. There was no mention of whether the campaign was a success or not.
There was also a room depicting "self-taught" artists who worked with either recycled or re-claimed materials.
This last painting was by a local artist named Anthony D Lee note that the fellow in this picture is waiting patiently for the "prosperity" train.
I went during the week and most of the visitors were retired folks. I did spy one bored looking kid being dragged around by his enthusiastic grandmother. I hope he saw one thing there that might make him want to come back. I have vivid memories of being kidnapped by my own mother to be subjected to a cultural education and moaning and groaning the entire time. While I inherited no particular talent, I at least now appreciate her efforts.
Thanks for taking a peek and consider one a "lesser known" attractions if you visit Memphis.