I’m back in New York this week for the 2012 NAEA conference. After checking in to my hotel yesterday, I made a beeline over to MoMA to see the Cindy Sherman retrospective and to wander once again through the museum’s galleries.
Whenever I visit MoMA, I always make a point to stop by and see ‘Christina’s World’ by Andrew Wyeth. I’ve written about my first encounter with this painting here. As a 15-year-old on a school field trip to NYC, I saw this painting for the first time, and fell in love with it. Since then I have revisited this painting countless times over the years. Actually, I must admit, stopping by to see Christina at the MoMA has been a part of every trip I’ve ever taken to New York over the years.
This time though the painting wasn’t hung in it’s usual spot. I experienced a moment of panic. I thought perhaps the work was on loan or temporarily taken away for cleaning. I asked a lady at a nearby information desk if the painting had been moved and she said “Yes, let me find it for you.” She pulled out a notebook that lists the location of all the works in the galleries, skimmed its pages, and said “It’s up on the next floor.” I breathed a sign of relief as she gave me directions to it’s new location.
I made my way up the escalator, down a hall, and there was Christina. As I stood there admiring her once again, I felt a rush of emotion come over me. I realized at that moment that I’ve had a lifetime relationship with this painting. Though all the ups and downs I’ve experienced over the years, this painting has been one of the constants in my professional life.
As I stood there, several people walked by and paused for a moment in front of the painting before continuing on. I wanted to stop one of them and share what I knew about Christina and how I come back to the museum over and over again to see her. But, I thought “no, they wouldn’t understand.” So, I just stood there a while longer, before finally saying goodbye.
I’m curious if others have similar stories to share about particular works of art that resonate with them?
Nellie
Mar 9, 2012 -
My first time in NYC, and first time to see this painting. Your story adds a richness to the experience. Thank you for sharing.
Katrina
Mar 11, 2012 -
Christina’s World has been part of my life since I was a young child. Growing up in Maine, Wyeth art is part of our everyday life. Yet each time I look at the piece I find something new and exciting. As an adult it brings me back to growing up along side open fields that I would play in for hours.
I am a middle school art educator in Maine. I have been working on a series of lessons exploring technology and art.
I would like to site your piece “Art Education, Collaboration and the Internet” for a unit on internet collaboration and I am kindly asking permission.
My best, Katrina
Craig
Mar 11, 2012 -
Thanks for sharing your experience with Christina and the Wyeth family. Yes, feel free to use the article you mention. Thanks for asking permission. Its nice to hear that article is still useful to someone. Perhaps it was a ahead of its time?
amy
Apr 17, 2012 -
My painting is “Oriental Poppies” by O’Keeffe. I had admired this painting for years in books when a college visit to the Weisman in Minneapolis led me straight to the painting. I turned a corner and there is was! I had an immediate physical and emotional reaction. I visit this painting often and am always stunned by its beauty.
Jessica
May 11, 2012 -
Christina has haunted me since seventh grade where I first met her in English class. She hung desperately on the wall of my classroom longing to go somewhere, like I longed to escape that dreaded room and class myself. I think how you “meet” in art is persuasive of your feelings for that particular art work.
brianne
Mar 2, 2013 -
The works of the three generations of the Wyeth’s have been a constant in my life! My parents were huge fans, and they had a library consisting of a few books about the Wyeth’s. I looked at these books as a child, and as i grew older, I too became a fan. I made a journey to Cushing, Maine, where Christina used to live, and her house still stands. Prints of their paintings (Christina’s world included) are all over my family home. I feel lucky to have grown up surrounded by such beautiful work!