A Surprise Around Every Corner

A new permanent collection installation greeted visitors to the Phillips last week right when they walked through the double glass doors into the galleries. What’s on view? A 1960 sculpture by Alberto Giacometti, a 1952 painting by Francis Bacon, a 2001 photograph by James Casebere, and a 1988 sculpture by Juan Hamilton. This group of works will remain on view throughout the winter.

(works in the permanent collection from left) Francis Bacon, Study of a Figure in a Landscape, 1952; Alberto Giacometti, Monumental Head, 1960; James Casebere, Yellow Hallway #2, 2001; Juan Hamilton, Bruja, 1988. Photo: Joshua Navarro

(works in the permanent collection from left) Francis Bacon, Study of a Figure in a Landscape, 1952; Alberto Giacometti, Monumental Head, 1960; James Casebere, Yellow Hallway #2, 2001; Juan Hamilton, Bruja, 1988. Photo: Joshua Navarro

The Artist Sees Differently: Michelle Lisa Herman

Michelle Lisa Herman, Digital Media Manager

Photo: Michelle Lisa Herman

How did you learn about the Phillips?

Well, I guess I first learned about The Phillips Collection in high school in Fort Lauderdale, FL, at the Dillard Center for the Arts, when I took AP Art History. I was familiar with some of the works in The Phillips Collection that I would come across in my textbooks, though I didn’t get to actually visit until I started college at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore. My friends and I would make pilgrimages here as often as we could to see exhibitions at The Phillips Collection and other museums in the area.

Do you feel you are inspired by the Phillips art?

Just being surrounded by thousands of works of art is inspiring in itself, but the energy that The Phillips Collection has makes it an even more enjoyable experience as an artist.

What do you listen to as you create?

I usually would say my “Trinity”: Tori Amos, Ani DiFranco, and Björk. But lately, Björk has been taking the lead. I also listen to a good amount of indie, electronica, and foreign pop. Continue reading