There are some paintings, often 17th century or earlier, often with religious themes, that I find exceptionally fun. There’s usually some detail that the artist added for a reason unknown to me, but that I like to imagine was pure play. Other times it’s because the dynamics between two characters doesn’t seem to match with what the official intentions should have been (eg. why is there so much lust between Mary and her baby Jesus?). Again, I like to think the artist was playing. Sometimes there’s just some texture or scene or a little bit of sublime that is almost inexplicable in its beauty.
When I see these paintings hanging in our serious institutions, I like to photograph them. For years, they’ve been sitting on my hard drive. Now I’d like to put them somewhere more accessible. I know I will enjoy it. Maybe someone else will!
