Once again the Amon Carter has pulled off an exceptional exhibit.
To See as Artists See: American Art from The Phillips Collection is as much a focus on Duncan Phillips and his dedication to discovering modern living American artists, as it was on the art itself. He was the first to acquire and show a Grandma Moses.
Phillips also supported many artists with a monthly stipend so they could concentrate on their work. Arthur Dove was one of these as well as our d'Artagnan of the art world, John Graham — no wonder he could afford to go traipsing off to Europe chasing after Picasso!
This is the first time the Phillips organization has organized the American collection in a chronological, historical and narrative way. It includes more than 100 works by 70 artists, and the Amon Carter has enhanced the show by integrating some of its own collection including Eakins, Homer, Inness and of course Georgia O'Keefe.
I must say the collection of outstanding O'Keefes in this show trounced the one little dark O'Keefe painting used in the much-advertised DMA exhibit a few months back that focused on the Roaring 20s. (pfffft Dallas!)
Anyway, to see those as well as such a variety of fabulous works from American artists together was a treat, which I will return to soak in again. Just wish there were a few Duncan Phillips around now, ready to support some of us so we had time to work as well … and maybe traipse a bit.
