RAINY SUNDAY AT THE MET

As evidenced here, there are few things I adore more than spending a rainy afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Although the roof closed shortly after my arrival, I enjoyed exploring new areas of a museum I've been to many, many times.

I discovered the Antonio Ratti Textile Center and Reference Library while searching for a tiny exhibition of William Morris (1834-1896) textiles and wallpaper which was just outside.  An extremely well-known British decorative artist, Morris created beautiful undulating designs that possess a timelessness which makes them seem more modern than their era.

And speaking of timelessness, I caught sight of Anna Wintour on her way out; presumably giving last-minute approvals for last night's Costume Institute Gala.  Perfect Sunday.

Blouse: Tracy Reese

Silk Skirt: Vintage

Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo

Photos of me by Meri Feir; Met roof photo by me.

WEARING: Imran Qureshi at the Met.

Over the weekend, I finally had an opportunity to visit The Roof Garden Commission: Imran Qureshi at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  When I first read about this year's rooftop commission, I was surprised to find that this was much more introspective than the usual summertime sculpture shows that take place at the top of the Met.

Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi's And How Many Rains Must Fall Before the Stains Are Washed Clean is in no way obtrusive, essentially becoming an aspect of the surroundings.  Handpainted in the color of dried blood, the work, which resembles Pollock's splatter paintings adorned with organic floral-type forms, calls to mind both the record of a battle scene and new life.

Though Ken Johnson's review in the Times criticized the work as not taking into account its site-specificity with relation to terrorism and the September 11 attacks, he still described the work thus: "A dreamlike carpet underfoot, bound to be scuffed and soiled by thousands of shoes and beaten by sun and rain, it remains generously open to meditative reflection."

I agree with Johnson's assertion that the work illicits reflection, and add that its violence is an ever present reminder of the struggles faced by our own and other cultures.  The rooftop exhibition is open through November 3.

Dress: Vintage, via Beacon's Closet Park Slope

Sandals: Madison Harding

Handbag: Vintage, via Goodwill

Sunglasses: Dolce and Gabbana

Necklace: Belonged to my mother

Photos by Kathy Paciello and myself.