More with the atmospheric river conditions. We decided a visit to a museum would be a good use of the day.
Took a bus to the SFMOMA and started with the Amy Sherald exhibition. You’d likely know her portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor.
Her attention and approach capture something greater than a moment — each painting a graphical (and biographical) juxtaposition of the subject, revealing exterior and interior details.
I particularly loved the section (no photos allowed) that provided a look into her process. She starts with an idea, orchestrates a very meticulous photo session and has reference materials on hand to take to the canvas.
From there we started from the top and moved our way back down the floors. There is always so much to see at this museum. The permanent collections hold up on repeat viewing (if you enjoy modern art) but there’s always something new. I’m sad to have missed the Art of Noise installation, but the sports one that took over was solid.
My favorite moment…
Tucked in a corner room was Ragnar Kjartansson’s The Visitors, a video installation with 9 screens, each with a musician playing in concert. The audio is arranged spatially — as you move around it sounds like you’re in the room with each performer.
I’m the sort that usually taps out fairly quick when it comes to videos in museums, but this one pulled me in…
I caught the tail end of the hour long piece and went to find Casey and return to watch the beginning. I thought we’d sit for a spell and move on, but we stayed enthralled for the remainder — moving chairs from time to time to experience a different perspective.
These individuals performing isolated, but together.
It felt like a meditation, a bit of a dirge, an apology of sorts… and a release.
I had to wipe my eyes a few times.
It’s up through September 2025 at the museum, but if you can’t make it out they do have a 360° sample up on YouTube.
