Hello fellow artists and lovers of art!

As an Arts Administration student I like to visit galleries and museums as often as I can to see how exhibits spaces are utilized and discover new art and artists. I love the atmosphere and energy in art museums and galleries which is why I chose this major.

Over Christmas break I recently visited Napa, California and discovered (a.k.a. fell in love) with The Hess Art Collection. This Collection was founded by Swiss Entrepreneur and Art Collector, Donald Hess in 1966.

Here are some of my favorites from the Collection:

“Silverstone II” Frank Stella

“Silverstone II” is three-dimensional painting/scupture by artist Frank Stella. Upon seeing this piece I was struck by the use of color and playfulness of the piece. Stella is one of my favorite artists, so needless to say I was pretty excited to see a piece of his in the Hess Collection.

“Am Anfang” Anselm Kiefer

“Am Anfang” (In the Beginning) is a mixed media piece by artist Anselm Kiefer. I was instantly drawn to this piece due to the massive size and use of materials (oil paint, emulsion, acrylic, lacquer, wire, plaster, lead sheets, and straw on canvas). The German artist was influenced by lasting effects on his country from World War II.

“Homage” Leopoldo Maler

“Homage” a modified Underwood Typewriter created by Leopoldo Maler is one of the featured pieces in the Hess Collection. This piece pays homage to Maler’s uncle who is a well-known Argentinean writer and is believed to be killed for his opinionated political essays. The flame on the typewriter, which is in the position where paper would be held, symbolizes the power and destruction of words.

Let me know what you think: which piece is your favorite?