A Little Relief at the Oakland Museum: Ray and Charles Eames

This was what our northern California sunrise looked like last Saturday. 


We are not near the terrible fires, but our air quality is so bad it is recommended we stay indoors with the windows tightly sealed, or if we have to go out, wear a mask. It feels like the Apocalypse. We're eyeing all of our belongings wondering what we would take if we had to leave. My heart and thoughts go out to all those who are suffering from the loss of their homes, family, friends, or pets.

Sunday, we were going stir crazy (this phrase gives an interesting image of walking around in circles in a confined space, which is what I was doing), so we headed over to the Oakland Museum. Which is, to get out of their own confined circle-walking spaces, what many other people did as well, particularly those with young children. We found a long line to get in as if a blockbuster movie was playing. Kinda neat, in a way.

One of the special exhibitions is the work of Charles and Ray Eames. There were a few objects that interested me. Decorated envelopes drawn by Ray.


Birthday card and envelope for Charles; enameled sign birthday gift, June 17, 1969


I was moved by Ray's Hermés 1980 diary. The signage says she "used this Hermés pocket diary for 20 years and kept each removable 'trimester' calendar in its original box. Charles Eames passed away on August 21, 1978. Ray marked this day in her diary with his initials, dates, or other inscriptions until she passed away the same day ten years later."



I also liked the hands-on area where you were invited to staple cones of paper together and clip them to a wire behind a light source. This was a way to turn a two-dimensional piece of paper into a three-dimension shape and then back to a two-dimensional shadow.




Eerie, but mesmerizing.


If you like shadows and dance, check out the video and works by Pilobolus here. In their newest incarnation, they turn their collective bodies into an elephant or a little dog, Medusa, and other intriguing creatures. I like shadows. They have potential: potent. Mysterious and intriguing. So many possibilities for imagination. A little relief.

Comments