Over the last few years, I have developed a solid reputation as a writer and a global author, and these days most people associate my name with this profession. Certainly, I am very privileged to have been afforded these amazing opportunities, and I really enjoy my job. However, my degree is in illustration, and I am absolutely fanatical about art. Recently, I have started painting again (after a long hiatus) and it has reignited my passion for art. That is why whenever I travel – either global or domestic – I make a b-line for the nearest gallery.
For an art-lover wanting a cultural experience, Aspen – a destination most known for its luxurious ski slopes and phenomenal nature settings – maybe wouldn’t be the first place that springs to mind. However, this vibrant city has an abundance of notable historic buildings along with a rapidly increasing art scene.
Additionally, due to the buoyant economy (mainly due to tourism) it has received a lot of media attention. This has attracted a large contingency of celebrities who have built the most amazing contemporary homes. There is also an installation titled, ‘Dancing Fountain’ that was created by Nick DeWolf and local sculptor Travis Fulton. Most impressively, this ski-vacation city also has an incredible museum designed by a world-class architect.
Nowadays, the architecture of a gallery is nearly as important as the artworks inside. Certainly, a perfect example of this is Aspen Art Museum, which relocated on August 9, 2014, to 637 East Hyman Avenue. The new building was conceived by acclaimed Japanese architect, Shigeru Ban, who was the recipient of the 2014 Pritzker Prize for Architecture. This incredible modernistic structure has four-levels and an internal footprint of 33,000 square feet. In total, there are eight exhibition spaces, six gallery spaces, and a spectacular rooftop sculpture garden.
Even though Aspen Art Museum has some phenomenal architectural features, it also is a functional gallery attracting artists from around the globe. Certainly, this must be one of the most progressive art galleries I have ever encountered. If you like thought-provoking (potentially controversial) modern art, then there is a broad range of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and installations to reflect on. The majority is non-conventional and therefore opinions will be divided. In addition to exhibitions, the museum has lecture’s and also runs various social initiatives.