This afternoon I visited the Phoenix Art Museum to view their current exhibition Cezanne and American Modernism. I love Cezanne, especially his pieces featuring the bathers.

The exhibition, in general, was cohesive and comprehensive. It provided an overview of Cezanne’s work including portraiture, still lifes, and landscapes. It was also insightful in demonstrating his influence on American modernism and also on other beloved masters. From the very first piece you see, it is clear how Picasso’s cubism was inspired by his work.

There were several pieces by other artists that truly captured the color mood and compositional balance for which Cezanne is best known. However, the majority of “inspired” work felt like forced, less effective, copy-cat art. I value finding inspiration from others’ work, but mimicry does not interest me. One example of bringing Cezanne’s influence into his own artistic world, is sculptor George Segal’s Cezanne Still Life series. The body of Segal’s work includes rough, plaster sculptures, sometimes painted, but often left the recognizable, cool, white color. He takes Cezanne’s iconic apples and brings them to life in 3 dimensions.

Overall, I thought the exhibition was great. A few of my favorite non-Cezanne pieces from the show were Charles Demuth’s Houses and Pears and Plums, Patrick Henry Bruce’s Still Life (with Flower Pot and Fruit), and Leon Kroll’s Landscape - Two Rivers.

Since we created our Art of Analog Computing video, I’ve been looking to get some of these amazing homegoods from Meninos Store. I love the idea of having things from inside your computer or phone out in your real life.

Layers Frame - $19

Unlock Doormat - $49.99

8-Bit Hanger - $19.99

Yesterday I saw Despicable Me and have to say it’s one of the best animated films I’ve seen that hasn’t come from Pixar. It follows super villain, Gru, through his dreaming of and eventual success in stealing the moon. Along the way, he interacts with his lovable minions and adopts three adorable and rambunctious children to help him in his quest.

The characters in the film are inviting and endearing; the laughter is infectious. The creators of this film certainly understand “cute” and hurled it at us at every turn. By far the cutest character is Agnes, the youngest of the orphans. Her love of unicorns, fearless curiosity, and huge, puppy dog eyes will make even the biggest cynic smile. During the entire film and especially after she screams, “It’s so FLUFFY!!” at the carnival, she reminded me of everyone’s favorite weirdo, Katie, from Horton Hears a Who.

The film is truly a masterpiece, combining beautiful animation with heartwarming characters and coyote and roadrunner, over-the-top violence. I’d recommend everyone see it... at least once.