After months of having to close its doors to the public, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts has reopened. I was thrilled. The number of visitors and safety procedures were controlled, yet the experience was full and open – I was once again a child on discovery.
And discover, I did.
In my customary note of appreciation to the museum I said,
“It always astounds me that every single visit to the Eric Carle Museum is nothing short of remarkable. Really. Today was no exception. The angels exhibit was nothing at all like what I expected, and one of the best exhibits I have seen.”
As a member of the museum, I was greeted so warmly upon my return by the staff- like an old friend. They gave me extra copies of their spring newsletter (where I am featured), and asked to take my picture. I shared some stories of past visits, and heard “That was you?” It was a lovely “welcome back.”
Eric Carle has a new exhibition- Angels. I imagined it would be soft colors, sky and clouds, perhaps tissue paper art. I was very wrong. Walking into the exhibit, I immediately saw it was An Homage to Paul Klee.
Wait a minute. Of course. Paul Klee, one of the “degenerate, forbidden artists”. An artist who was instrumental in shaping Carle’s style of art. An artist he revered.
When Eric Carle studied art in Germany, at the height of WWII, his art teacher risked his own life to show Carle the art of Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, and Klee. That changed Carle’s life.
I will never forget learning that. In many ways, it changed my life, too.
Here’s the interesting part; Klee was a big fan of angels, and Carle was not. Yet, at nearly 90 years of age Carle is drawn to making the art of angels. He is pulled to Klee, and feels the need to pay homage, say thank you, and make his interpretation of the art Klee loved.
Angelus Novus by Paul Klee
Yet, it is deeper than that.
Eric Carle has always enjoyed self expression in his children’s books. His art is among the best. His children’s books have a theme and a focus, and his art follows suit. Now, he has made art that is unbridled – there is no children’s book, there is art in a joyous and deeply moving way.
I couldn’t get enough of this angel. The wings, the thick paint, the face…
This angel is playful, almost celebratory.
Look closely at the fingers and body. Using ‘tools’ on hand makes a wonderful angel.
This angel was perhaps my favorite. I love the paint!
There is more! Stay tuned for the Maira Kalman exhibit which was on display as well. I found a fabulous book she wrote, which I must share with you tomorrow.
Jennie.
A Teacher's Reflections 
Wow! Thanks for sharing, Jennie. I would never have got to see them otherwise. The work of two amazing artists in one.
You’re welcome, Norah. I need to remember that most bloggers are far away and would never have the opportunity to see the art. I’m now extra happy and mindful to share it.
I’m so pleased you do, Jennie. 🙂
These are just inspiring! Norah is right, without you posting this, we would never have got to see them!
I was struck by Norah’s comment. Yes, others far and wide would otherwise never get to see them. Thank you, Ritu. I’m glad you were inspired!! 🥰
😍
I love the Klee! I saw a fabulous exhibition of Klees in London. So original.
I do, too! How fortunate you were able to see a Klee exhibition.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful paintings and the information, Jennie. I’m looking forward to returning to some museums in the fall.
I’m glad you enjoyed this, Dan. I hope you get back to museums in the fall.
Oh, j can’t wait to see this one day!
If you ever get there, PLEASE let me know so I can join you. 😍
So interesting, Jennie; I knew nothing about this!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Elizabeth. I was rather amazed, too. Tomorrow is part 2!
Apologies, Becky!! I hate typos, especially when it’s a name. 😥
No problem, Jennie; this has happened to all of us, I’m sure!
Thanks, Becky!
He took that and ran with it. It shows how well he understands children, as I bet they all ‘get it’ immediately.
Best wishes, Pete.
He really did. Imagine being so creative at nearly 90 years of age. I think children will totally get it. They’ll probably see more detail and subtle points than we do. Best to you, Pate.
The textures, colors, and creativity are wonderful. Thanks for sharing this exhibit with us, Jennie!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Deborah!
Fascinating, Jenny! Thanks for sharing…
You’re welcome, Bette!
I loved this story of how people risked death to preserve and share art. I’m always amazed that someone, anyone feels they have the right to say what is appropriate art or writing and what is not. Thank you for sharing this.
I love the story, too! It is sad that some people feel they can say what is (or is not) appropriate. Best to you, Marlene.
Thank you for sharing your latest visit to the Eric Carle Museum! I hadn’t heard of Paul Klee; it was interesting to learn a little bit about him. Looking at Carle’s Angels painting, what immediately came to mind was, “Dance like there’s nobody watching.” Make art like there’s nobody watching!
Yes! I think that’s what Eric Carle had in mind, too. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Liz.
🙂
Hi Jennie, thank you so much for this. I miss going to museums.
Hi Charles! I have really missed museums, too. This was delightful, and there is more! Are they closed in Pennsylvania?
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is another wonderful post from Jennie, the excellent teacher!
I am always amazed by the imagination of some people, Jennie. They create the most incredible things. A gorgeous post.
I am always amazed, too! Thank you, Robbie. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Always the teacher you never fail to inspire us. I shall forward this post to my friend in Sacramento. She is an artist (non-blogger) and will enjoy it. Perhaps it will motivate her to go see the exhibit but I don’t keep up on the travel restrictions there if there are any in place?
For some reason, WP is not allowing me to click any likes at all and few of the posts are allowing me to comment?
If I inspire someone, that is as good as it gets. Thank you, Lea! The exhibit will be there for a while. At the moment people, entering the state are asked to self quarantine for 14 days, but it is voluntary. Our daughter flew in from Oregon a few weeks ago and there were no issues.
I sent her the post and as she is coming from Sacramento (not a hot-spot) not what we in France would call a green space virus wise, they would probably want her to quarantine. Hopefully she could check that out online before deciding as that would make a difference. Thank you Jennie.
You’re welcome, Lea. I hope it works out. Keep me posted.
Thank you for sharing these wonderful expressions, from your visit there. Its wonderful they now have reopened.
I am thrilled museums have finally reopened. There are always wonderful expressions at museums.
Fully agree Jennie! Here we only have a so called “beer museum”. But they only want to encourage you trinking beer. 😉
Haha!
Thats the truth. You can see it here: https://issuu.com/smde/docs/biererlebnis_bericht_20150509
In 2016 i had made a publication about the opening.
It does look like fun. 🙂
After the third glas of beer, indeed. 😉 But its only so called “harvesting beer”.Means low alcohol, and honestly not really my taste.
Haha! I know what you mean. Best to you, Michael.
To you too, Jennie! :-))
I’m indebted to you for bringing this artist to my attention, did my ‘daimon muse’ lead me here I wonder ? I read a reference to the fact that Walter Benjamin owned a drawing of one of Paul Klee’s angels which Benjamin thought was, ‘looking backwards in horror at the course of human history’. Curiosity led me to look up Klee’s angel drawings which hadn’t rang any bells & this in turn led me to this website & these great collages,
The last post on this thread was nearly a year ago, do you know if Carle is still ‘with us’? You say at the time of his exhibition he was in his 90s – if only he had more time.
At nearly Carle’s age, Hokusai thought he was only just beginning.
Isn’t it wonderful when one reading leads us to more? It’s like finding buried treasure. Thank you for telling me your Paul Klee story. I am still ‘locked on’ to my early visit at the Carle museum, standing and reading the exhibit on his early years as an art student in Nazi Germany. Klee was one of five artists that Carle’s art teacher (risking his life) introduced to him.
Of course Benjamin’s thoughts on Klee’s Angel drawings was absolutely correct. This was Nazi Germany. The exhibit, which was Carle’s last work of art, was spectacular. There were angels of darkness, playful angels, and everything in between. I’m glad that Eric Carle paid homage to Klee. It is full circle for him.
Sadly, Eric Carle died in May. His work is extraordinary, and Klee (along with Kandinsky, Matisse, Picasso, and Marc) was a big influence.