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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Recently I went to Disneyland with my sister—we each have kids but this time it was just us—and it was a delight. I know Disney parks can be very commercial and sometimes the level at which people love them is a bit…intense. I still love Disneyland. It’s nostalgic for me, and also, it’s basically one big art installation.
If only we could all take a field trip to Anaheim and point out all of the cool and arty things together, churros in hand.
This week’s exhibit will be the next best thing, an exhibit of some Disneyland inspired art, and we’ll call it DISNEYLANDISH. Welcome!
Our first piece is from actual Disneyland: this pair of water fountains in Tomorrowland that simply could not delight me more. If you haven’t been to Disneyland, Tomorrowland is a space and futuristic themed part of the park that is ironically, very dated.
Basically, these water fountains are vintage-futuristic. What a fun category. I hope they are never replaced.
Next up: Purple Madonna by Mary Blair, who was responsible for that vintage Disney aesthetic that you see in Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty etc. Most importantly, Mary Blair created the design aesthetic for It’s a Small World. I love this piece because it’s literally if It’s a Small World met religious iconography, you know?
Of course, we also have to chat about Keith Haring’s interpretation of Mickey Mouse. KH did many Mickey Mouse drawings—here’s another:
Haring draws Mickey Mouse in his own style, but somehow, Mickey Mouse is still so recognizable. It’s kind of memorizing. More here.
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That’s it!
Thanks for attending another Gallery Blerf exhibit. How do you feel about Disneyland? Or churros?! Do you have any cartoon-inspired art?
Gallery Bookstore
Los Angeles. Portrait of a City: I got to spend a whole day with the illustrious Alex Steele while in the LA area, and spotted this photo book at a darling shop we visited. It was too big for my suitcase but I can’t stop thinking about it.
Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life: Steve Martin’s memoir, specifically of the events leading up to his fame. He worked in the magic shop at Disneyland (which is still there!) and his stories about it are just great.
Disney 100 on vinyl: if you have kids or you grew up on Disney movies, having all of these Disney songs on vinyl is pretty darn fun. The tracks span from Steamboat Willy all the way to Encanto. The Tiki Room is a favorite in my household.
“Y2K Disney” on Poshmark or Ebay: a surprisingly fruitful search term for unique Disney shirts. I found a couple of treasures this way for my recent trip. Not only are the designs very fun, but t-shirts were generally sturdier in the early aughts. And there’s nothing I love more than a sturdy t-shirt.
Pairs Well With
Early Mary Blair watercolors—I especially love this one. | The cheapest Disneyland souvenir is the coolest—an actual artist will make you a silhouette portrait sans technology | Alex Steele’s regular person’s guide to Disneyland | This actually cool, loosely Disney inspired house—previously mentioned in our exhibit on real-life fantasy
Wishing you many visual treats this week, and maybe also a soft pretzel with cheese. Thanks a million for reading!
CYA,
Rachel
I love Disney parks! Only been once, for my 30th, and I went back at night after my husband put our toddler at the time to bed and had a great time solo.