Letter: Art in all forms

Attending the Aspen Art Museum’s opening to the public was a pleasure, though I have my criticisms of the tortoise display, which made me — and others I spoke with — uncomfortable. The art in the various galleries was mostly creative (Ernesto Neto’s Gratitude), enlightening (David Hammons’ work) and unique (display of “humanitarian architecture”). Art connoisseurs will debate the quality of the building and the art it houses, but this is the case with virtually all “fine art” museums.

What was most impressive about the museum opening, and potentially most exciting about the future of the museum, would appear to be its public use. The opening drew a large number of attendees. It is the public’s experience with art that matters most, their enjoyment or disgust, education or dumbing-down, meaningfulness or senselessness. Art opens up questions about the world. Discussions about art often lead to discussions about life and the world we live in. Discussions about life and the social world can lead to personal growth and even positive change in the world.

An important feature of the museum is the space created to interact with others. In fact, the most beautiful art I encountered at the museum opening was nature’s art — not the interesting crystal display but rather a critical-thinking, tall, slender, fit, highly attractive, smartly dressed woman with short brown hair, stunning eyes, a wonderful skin tone, a bright smile and a thoughtful son who was not thrilled with the tortoise scene. Fine art at its best.

Thank you, Aspen Art Museum.

Sean Elias

Glenwood Springs