Museum on cloud nine

By Alison Young, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, October 21, 1998

Enjoying a day without spending a cent is increasingly difficult.

But thanks to a passion for art and the financially well-endowed, J. Paul Getty Trust, one of the most frequently vivited musuems in Los Angeles, is free.

The collection is extensive and includes drawings, paintings, photographs, furniture, and decorative arts.

Many master's works grace the walls including Vincent Van Gough's "Irises," Claude Monet's "Wheat Stacks," and Paul Cezanne's "Still Life with Apples."

The Getty Center is not for those who fance obscure, hidden museums.

It is in fact, one of the most grandiose ventures in Los Angeles.

Architecturally, the traverstine stone structures were built with graphic-like precision, offering vivid, breathtaking views that burn a lasting image in the mind.

Designed by architect Richard Meier, the Getty Center sits atop the foothils of the Santa Monica Mountains with views spanning from downtown Los Angeles out to the Pacific Ocean.

On a clear day, the blue sky contrasts with the white eddifice to resemble a white sand beach meeting a deep blue ocean.

The central Garden features circular paths that are cut into the earth.

Exotic flowers and plant life are in full bloom and surround the circular garden. A stream runs through the middle with cube shaped rocks strategicly placed in the bed.

The garden alone is so full of visual stimulation that it could easily claim a good portion of the day (as it did for me).

Note: the garden changes with the seasons, so it is worth subsequent visits.

The museum, which owns over 300 Man Ray photographs, displayed 10 of the artist's works in a sneak preview.

Man Ray, who captured a pensive Pablo Picasso in the portrait entitled "Pablo Picasso," made his subject's hands seem disproportionatly big with his body, hinting at what facilitated Picasso in creating his art.

In "Tears," Man Ray focuses on his subject's eyes, cropping out everything else.

The photograph was taken on a diagonal and around the eyes are jewels, which from a distance appear to be tears.

It is a sad, yet captivating and beautiful image of femininity.

The exibit will be on view from Oct. 27 through Jan. 17.