Daughter of a merman
and I mean that literally
I’ve decided that I’m opening an art gallery, but that art gallery is mostly hypothetical and exists as a newsletter on the Internet. Welcome, and thanks for coming.
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Let me tell you one of my favorite facts about my heritage. In the 1980s my dad was a merman in an underwater show at a now-defunct theme park called Aquarena Springs. Not only did the show included mer-people, it also starred a swimming pig named Ralph. This tickles me to no end.
My dad loved all things swimming and water. It was his birthday this week and I miss him terribly—he died a few years ago. Inspired by him, let’s explore some water themed art!
This week’s exhibit is entitled MYSTICAL AQUATIC.
Our first piece is this photo from the very same Aquarena Springs, but in the 1950s. This couple actually got married in the park’s underwater theater, where shows were performed for many years (including when my dad was there). They passed around an oxygen hose and wore weighted clothing!
There are a few photos documenting this day, but when I came across this particular one I was amazed and also…spooked? It’s so many things at once!
Next up is this mural by Keith Haring at the Carmine Street pool in New York City.
Something I really enjoy about Keith Haring is that he made several public murals at the height of his fame. He was selling art in galleries and he was also painting the walls of a neighborhood swimming pool for everyone to enjoy.
Have you seen a piece by an artist you really admire in person and it just…moves you? Of course you have! Now imagine that experience while splashing around in a pool!!
Our final piece is this wavy, watery, framed ceramic tile by James Barela.
I’ve seen many photos of James’ work but this weekend I attended his open studio for Austin Studio Tour and it was a restorative treat. James grew up in Santa Fe and an avid gardener and I see both of those things in his work.
Ok wait, one last piece. I snapped this photo of two of my best friends looking like sea creatures while doing some impromptu water dance one night at mythical, magical Barton Springs. Swimming in cold water always reminds me of my dad.
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That’s it!
Thanks for attending another Gallery Blerf exhibit. If you’d like to see Aquarena Springs in its heyday, here’s a great glimpse. You can still visit Aquarena and ride glass bottom boats. Also! Did you see that our old pal Ed Ruscha did the cover for the new Beatles release?!
Gallery Bookstore
Keith Haring Journals: An incredible book with journal entries and drawings by Keith Haring that spans the time before his fame nearly to his death.
Muji Lay Flat Notebook: This $6 journal has a sturdy little cover and smooth, delicious pages. And! It lays flat. I write in mine every morning to clear my head before working.
Sea Pools: 66 Salt Water Sanctuaries from Around the World: Adding “sea pool” to my swimming bucket list.
The 20th Century Art Book: a great little survey of modern art. This book is small and kind of chubby and so fun to reference. Buy it used for a song.
Unrelated
This chocolate tart is my favorite Thanksgiving dessert. Now tell me yours!
I wish you many visual treats this week! It may be seasonally inappropriate for water activities where you are, but I’d still love to hear if you notice any interesting/lovely/exciting aquatic visuals. Comment below if you’d like!
Toodles,
Rachel
p.s. A bit of shameless self-promotion: A set of my prints is now on AllModern!
Love this about your dad, that's amazing!!