From Chadds Ford to NYC

From Chadds Ford to NYC

Before moving to New York City I always had the comfort that there were some Wyeth paintings I could visit when I was homesick.

The Chadds Ford landscape has always been a comfort for me, and I never realized how lucky I was to grow up in such a beautiful environment. Speaking of that, whenever I say I’m from the West Chester /Chadds Fordarea, people usually say…

Oh how beautiful it is there!

So upon moving to New York, I was shocked to first see Christina’s World on the subway. That’s right…the subway. I wonder if Andrew ever imagined this work to be plastered up on the F train. It actually kind of disturbed me. I’m so used to seeing Wyeth work in a very different sensory environment. Against lush walls, hearing my creaky steps against the old wooden floors, and being able to peak at the Brandywine River out of the closest window.

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So I decided to venture to the MoMa and see what their Wyeth experience would be like.Christina’s World seems to be one of their prize jewels, so I was sure the display would reflect that. For the first 20 minutes I wandered aimlessly around trying to find it. The museum was packed so that was already taking away from my experience. I finally had to ask where it was and was told it was in the “American Modern: From Hopper to O’Keefe” exhibit. Okay. Here we go…

So it’s not exactly how I would have liked it to be displayed. Against white wash walls with harsh spotlights on it. Let alone all the people I had to maneuver around to see it. I didn’t realize how spoiled I was to grow up seeing art in a place that was relevant to the paintings.

I guess my point is, cherish the Brandywine and the beautiful way it displays art! But if you are ever in NYC, Christina and I are here…