EMT 10/31/15 - Amsterdam [krakatoa]

Amsterdam is pretty awesome in a lot of ways. I spent some quality time at the Rijksmuseum. I've always been a fan of classical art simply from the 2D renditions I've seen in books, and what little I've experienced in museums stateside. The Rijks did not disappoint.

Seeing the works here I was struck by just how shallow and talent-less contemporary artists and their work is today. Good art is not easy. Great art is neither easy, and I will admit, not often fully appreciated in its day. Rembrandt's reputation, I learned, received a hard blow when he completed what is now known as The Night Watch. Its gritty realism, displaying his subjects' worn features & all the weathering of life is now a star attraction in Amsterdam.

That said, the propensity of modern artists to literally throw trash on a floor, or to present bodily excretions up for public display, has all the artistry and staying power of Ace performing his one-person act "How I almost Met your Mother" in off off off Broadway (AKA "Ewok in the alley behind a titty bar, standing on a dumpster while attempting to peek into the changing room window").

Off to London today, via rail. I hesitate to ask the "Just one Meal - London" question. But if anyone has any suggestions, I will take all answers under advisement.

Happy Halloween, my pretties.

posted by Open Blogger at 05:48 AM

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