Art for Thought

I've been fortunate enough to grow up in the Art capitol of the country. I've seen the Masters, and I've seen Modern Art. There are a few pieces that I can think of that really left a mark, and I thought I would share them with you. Keep in mind that both of these installations I saw at very young ages. Under 10.

The first one I always think of is "The State Hospital" by Edward Kienholz.
I don't remember where this was installed - I'm thinking the Whitney Museum? A few things to note about this piece were that there are goldfish swimming in the glass bowls of these heads, and there is a heady, strong smell of disinfectant spray. I remember seeing this on a class trip, and I've never ever forgotten it. I have always thought it to be a disturbing piece, but so thought provoking. Ironically enough, there is a state mental hospital near where I grew up which was opened in the 30's and was well know for its lobotomy procedures (first in the nation, I believe) until the practiced was outlawed. I always equated that place with this sculpture. I wonder if Mr. Kienholz ever anticipated such a young individual being so effected by it. It is at once completely horrifying and yet intriguing at the same time.

The other piece I always think of is "The Figure 5 in Gold" by Charles Demuth.


I believe this is in the permanent collection at the Metroplitan Museum of Art. Whoever installed this at the time did it quite cleverly. The walls were painted a very dark color, and the track lighting was low. This piece sat by itself at the end of the hallway. The gold 5s just jumped out at me, and I felt the movement of the entire piece rushing towards me. Of course this is what the artist intended, since it was based on the poem "The Great Figure" by William Carlos Williams.

So what art has inspired you? What art have you seen and never forgotten?