RIP Bourgeois and Hopper
June 1, 2010I know this has absolutely nothing to do with catching or baseball but I had to take a moment to note the passing of a couple art world greats. One of my favorite artists, Louise Bourgeois died yesterday at the age of 98. And the multi talented actor, artist, art collector, film maker Dennis Hopper passed last week at the age of 74.
This may be way out there, but I actually do make a connection between art and baseball. I suppose it’s more just a connection between the greats of any endeavour. Here’s what I had to say after my first encounter seeing Bourgeois’ art…
The thing I really enjoy about good art is the truth. It’s the same thing that I love about sports. I love the fact that through commitment to one’s craft, some hard work, some courage, and some creativity, the action or the work of art just kind of comes through you. As an athlete, it’s that “zone” feel…when it almost feels like you’re out of your body watching yourself do things that you have no idea how you did them. You’re flowing, just doing it, not thinking or scheming, and the truth comes out. It’s easy to see in sports and a big reason why people are drawn to watch. Art has the same dynamics for me. I really enjoy the fact that someone can commit themselves to something so random and ephemeral as art. Just like the athlete, they do battle with the demons of failure, expectations, personal hangups, doubters and naysayers….and a few persevere to become artists (or athletes).
Quite simply, I respect the accomplishments of both Bourgeois and Hopper. I don’t know if they were good people or bad. I just know they both had an interesting combination of courage, perseverance, and creativity mixed together with a certain degree of wackiness that made the world a more interesting place. I’m grateful for their contributions and sad to see them go.
I’ve written in past posts about the interesting life of Louise Bourgeois, if you want more, click here. Here are some highlights from Hopper’s life.
Dennis Hopper
Film Career – Rebel Without a Cause, Giant, Cool Hand Luke, True Grit, Easy Rider, Apocalypse Now, Rumble Fish, Blue Velvet, Hoosiers, Waterworld, Speed.
Directed – Easy Rider, Colors
Art Career – As a young boy, Hopper took art classes at the Kansas City Art Institute taught by Thomas Hart Benton.
A prolific photographer, painter, and sculptor. His photography is known for portraits from the 1960s.
His work will be the focus of Jeffrey Dietch’s first exhibit as director of The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. (April 2010)
Dennis Hopper - artist, actor, photographer.
Probably Bourgeois most famous work, "Maman"
