Spanish
Español
Français
Would you like me to start sharing trendy things with you? Well, I have the first one. Let me tell you: this week I was going around the networks looking for plans and I found this gem of an exhibition: Georgia O'Keefe, opening on April 20 at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.
It is an expo that I really want to visit and I thought I had to share with you the great New York plan that I am going to organize for that day without leaving Madrid. In addition, this full New York day that we are going to mark, is perfect with any company, both to walk it alone, or accompanied by friends or partner.
The main thing, of course, will be to see O'Keefe's work up close, connect with his vision of New York (a city I have declared my undying love for) and admire his famous flowers up close.
I caught you a little by surprise and you don't quite know what I'm talking about?
Give me a moment and I'll bring you up to date in three, two...
Georgia O'Keefe, modernity and provocation
If you read what the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum's website says, the truth is that it doesn't tell you much. It tells you that we will see about 80 works selected to make a complete tour of O'Keefe's artistic career.
That's a plus, because it will include all the stages. So we won't miss the beginnings of abstraction, the urban landscapes of New York, the famous flowers or the paintings of New Mexico. The exhibition promises a complete journey.
But there are a few more interesting tidbits about Georgia O'Keefe that I 'm going to tell you about.
First fact: Georgia O'Keefe was born in an environment light years away from the noise of the metropolis she would later paint, in rural Wisconsin in 1887.
Journey to the heart of modernism and art deco
How do you get from a farm, in a place called Sun Prairie, to being the "mother of American modernism"?
Perhaps because at the age of 10 he already knew that he was going to dedicate himself to painting. And then, with a solid artistic training, which she began at the Art Institute of Chicago and never finished. She married the photographer Alfred Stieglitz, who supported her at the beginning of her career and with whom she had a somewhat turbulent relationship.
Of all her stages, her famous flowers are well known. Huge canvases of curved strokes, solid and bright colors, and one of the great contributions to the art of the twentieth century.
What is so special about them? Among other things, the (much debated) sexual connotation of these canvases. Many interpret the sinuous shapes of the petals as a clear representation of the female sexual organs.
She never seemed to admit it, always saying that she wanted to paint large flowers simply because they were so small that their beauty was not appreciated.
Whether it is one or the other is something you can try to find out on your visit to the exhibition.
And if you love New York, you will enjoy its fabulous illuminated skyscrapers, contrasting with the city's night sky. This is the happy 20's, before the big crash, and O'Keefe is there to paint the modernity of that great city.
There is no doubt that her painting revolutionized the art of the 20th century and that's why today we want to see her works and know more about her.
Shall we replenish our strength? I think the day deserves a good New York meal.
After a morning at the museum, I think it's going to be necessary to eat something, and after seeing the skyscrapers of NY (I don't know about you) what my body is asking for is one of those dishes that are out of the picture.
So I will set off in the direction of Taxi to Manhattan, which in addition to good burgers, promises "neighborhood" flavors. We're talking Brooklyn, Soho, Nolita, China Town and Little Italy. It's worth a try.
If you walk from the museum to Sol, you can take the metro to Nuevos Ministerios. They are waiting for you with burgers prepared with quality meat and artisan bread (plus many extras and a good dose of love in the preparation).
While you're waiting, I wouldn't miss the Goat Cheese Chupachups. With guava, crunchy cereal batter and tomato jam. Sound tempting? I'll leave it there.
Our Central Park in Madrid
Central Park is a bit far to think about stretching your legs after lunch, but in Madrid we are not complaining: we will always have El Retiro.
The best plan after lunch is to get a good cup of coffee to take away and drink it quietly taking a nice walk. The park has many interesting corners, but I'll tell you my favorite: going to see the pond is something that always leaves me new.
Shopping in the second-hand market
To finish off our New York day, can you think of a better way than shopping?
I have to visit in Malasaña (my personal Chelsea Market) a place where you can find unique garments .
It's all about La Industria, and if we're lucky, we' ll go home with some vintage cult piece - is this Yves Saint Laurent trench coat still around?
I'm already seeing it with my Iris Mystic and Aries necklace.
I foresee that it's going to be an intense day, as always when I let myself be absorbed by other creative universes, so I want to feel comfortable wearing something casual with a touch of color. As the weather forecast for the 20th is regu, what do you think about this outfit with a red beret? I love the contrast of colors.
I will also tell you that the order of the factors does not alter the product. Instead of starting your day at the museum, you can start it with breakfast at El Retiro, replenish your closet at La industria and leave for the afternoon your visit to the O'Keefe exhibition with a New York dinner included.
Let me know what you think of my New York plan in Madrid, are you in?