The Aldrich Museum: The Decennial Exhibit
Most museums are the same: you get to see a few pieces in their permanent collection, and a few from the new exhibit, but you’re still left with wanting something more. The Aldrich Museum (located in Ridgefield, CT) is anything but the typical copy and paste format. The progressive institution pushes forward unique art from all walks of life that ushers in inclusivity and inspiration from the here and now. Cultural works are on full display from such as Black female artists who have incorporated elements from their own lifestyle to portray not just who they are but where they come from. There is an element of revisionist history with pieces that contain narratives of what it means to be an American - which is highly pertinent 250 years after the United States was born. It is cliche to say that art provides us with a beacon of hope, but looking at these works really does shed a light on how far we’ve come despite our imperfect state. The gallery even has newspaper headlines along the wall reminding us of the social injustices that have been addressed, especially those over the last century. Moreover, it is important to note that these works are perpetually changing; just like America has and will continue to do. Most people simply come into art museums to be entertain for a while with the presence of an image or an object. However, you cannot help but have your perspective shit while in the presence of something that came from a person’s heart and soul. Perhaps there’s many reasons to visit this new and posh establishment, but none more important than what it can do for your mind.
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