This Valentine's Day, love may be in the air, but it's also found its way into the museum. We've had canoodling sightings in the Kogod Courtyard, and even a highly romantic marriage proposal in one of the galleries (and the good news is that she said yes!). Hearts, or should I say valentines, can also be found as an image or theme in some of the artworks in the museum.
I'm thinking now of Joseph Cornell's wonderful invention he titled The Heart on the Sleeve. It's a mischievous little bunny complete with bow tie, and what would appear to be crossed arms..or paws. The face is a bit of a mask as well, as if it was a stand-in for the artist, who devoted his life to his creations, and let them speak louder than he ever did.
I'm fascinated by the life and work of Joseph Cornell. Many of his boxes have moving parts and appeal to viewers of all ages. He often made references to the world around him and to people like dancers and movie stars. His world was almost a three-dimensional rendering of the New York poems of Frank O'Hara.
If I were a DJ I'd send this one out to all the romantics out there celebrating Valentine's Day on Sunday.
