DenVhere Magazine: DenVhere: The Denver Reality Star Issue 2014 | Page 10

Passport
Denver

Ar

T

By: Kim Clerkley

he Passport to Paris exhibit took place at the Denver Art Museum on February 9th.
The exhibit showcased the evolution of art within society from the 16th century into the 19th century.
The exhibit was very similar to present day, changing the norms of art imitating life. Passport to Paris
featured art that demonstrated the transition of society, change in economic themes, and individual
expression. In James Jacques Joseph Tissot’s “The Fan” 1875 (Oil on Canvas 15-1/8x20-1/8 in
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, The Gallup Sumner and Mary Catlin Sumner Collection Fund),
we see a fashionable young woman surrounded by plants seated comfortably on a chair holding a fan.
The Court to Café exhibit features actual dresses worn by women during that time. A white and black
striped leg o’ mutton sleeved, two-tiered cotton dress, is paired with a black fascinator hat and umbrella. A modest, yet elegant, cream sweatheart neckline, empire waist gown is also featured in the
Court to Café exhibit. Transitioning from good times, we then see a decline in Henri de ToulouseLautrec’s Jane Avril Leaving the Moulin Rouge 1892(Essence on Board: 33-3/4x 27-1/2in Wadsworth
Atheneum Museum of Art; Bequest of George Gay). A woman is shown wearing an understated blue
peacoat and basic blue dress. The mood is somber but the art is real and captures the woman’s true
emotion. The artwork in the Passport to Paris also featured various pieces with additional themes of
love, joy, and the simplicity of life. Claude Monet’s, The Beach at Trouville (1870), depicts a city on the
beach on a beautiful day. The beauty of nature in the piece acts as a focal point and shares with the
viewer that no matter what is going on, the beauty of life is always free.