Visiting the Pasadena Museum of California Art

Recently I told you about my visit to the Pacific Asia Museum. Well, just across the parking lot is another exhibition space – Pasadena Museum of California Art. I, of course, had to check it out.

According to their mission statement the museum is “dedicated to the exhibition of California art, architecture, and design from 1850 to the present.” On my visit the primary exhibition was Picturing Mexico: Alfred Ramos Martinez in California.

Now, I’m embarrassed to say that I’d never heard of Alfred Ramos Martinez prior to this exhibit. But I’ll never forget him now because his work is hauntingly beautiful and, in a word, unforgettable.

Ramos Martinez lived in California for 16 years starting in 1929. As such, his work reflects much of the design styles of the era and I cold detect Art Deco influence in his pieces.

If you look closely at the above piece you may see lines of print throughout. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you…often his canvas was simply newspaper.

Though much of his work is stylized he also was very skilled in portraiture as highlighted by these two pieces.

How lucky these women were to have him complete their portraits!

I was simply entranced by the works of Ramos Martinez and am so happy I had a chance to visit this exhibit. It runs through April 20 and I highly recommend stopping by.

Pasadena Museum of California Art

490 East Union Street

Pasadena, CA 91101