Photography Outing to the Frist Museum of Art

Architecture:

The Frist Art Museum is a vital cultural hub and a remarkable architectural landmark in Nashville. Housed in the historic main post office built between 1933 and 1934, the building showcases the era’s classicism and Art Deco styles. The streamlined exterior, clad in white Georgia marble and gray-pink Minnesota granite, exemplifies “stripped” classicism, reflecting permanence and stability while embracing progress and cost-efficiency.

Inside, the Art Deco influence is evident in the cast aluminum doors, grillwork, and vibrant marble and stone finishes. In 1984, the building was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Major exhibition: 

“The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse” from the Dallas Museum of Art (link to https://fristartmuseum.org/exhibition/the-impressionis-revolution-monet-to-matisse/) delves into the evolution of impressionism from its inception in 1874 to its influence in the early 20th century. Featuring paintings and sculptures, this exhibit highlights the groundbreaking work of artists like Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, and Berthe Morisot, who redefined contemporary art. The impressionists’ innovative approaches laid the groundwork for future avant-garde artists, including Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, and Henri Matisse. Visitors are invited to rediscover these once-controversial artists and their significant impact on 20th-century art.

Two additional exhibitions on view will incorporate the work of Nashville-based artists.

Optional Inspiration Exercise:

During your visit to the Frist, use this simple exercise to spark creative inspiration: