Peggi was an AAU competitive swimmer in her younger years and Matisse’s “Swimming Pool” cutout, re-installed at the Met in a room built to the same specs as the dining room where the work originally wrapped around the four walls, seems to have awoken the deep connection she has with water and art. This was the piece she wanted to see the most on our second tour of the show. And like the faithful on a religious pilgrimage we were rewarded at journey’s end. The piece is a masterpiece created by a master. Cut shapes that are not. Matisse cuts forms from flatly painted paper. The figures and water are abstract and representational and expressive at once. Ultimately thrilling.
This visit to the big city was different. We didn’t stay at Chez Sherwood although we did hook up for dinner. Peggi booked a room in midtown on Central Park South. Because we booked at last minute we were able to secure a “handicap accessible” room that they were looking to fill for a song. And when we checked in they asked if we needed the handicap stuff. We shook our heads (someday we’ll get ours) and upgraded it to a junior suite on the 29th floor overlooking the park for the same price.
We never took the subway this time and walked to the Met, MoMa and dinner. We stayed mostly in midtown and managed to not set foot in the big brand name shops, Gucci, Armani, Coach, Prada and Apple. And because it is so close to Peggi’s birthday we spent thirty five dollars on a pair of perfumy gin and tonics at the hotel bar.
happy birthday Peggi. #swimswimswim
Thanks Andrea!