Connecting with art with Stacy Bloom Rexrode

Stacy recounts the first time she found an artwork she knew she had to take home with her: “The first piece I ever purchased was from an exhibit of South African artists at Creiger-Dane Gallery in Boston. The artist Kim Berman had produced a series of prints of women who stripped naked and stood in front of bulldozers which were coming to destroy their community of Dobsonville, Soweto at the end of Apartheid. It was my first taste of artistic activism art. I had just graduated from college and did not have a lot of money, but I kept thinking “I have to own this artwork!” Not only is it a beautiful print, but the context and message also showed me the power of art.”

She goes on to explain that sometimes, to find an artwork that really resonates, you need to dig deep. Stacy suggests, “I highly encourage people to attend artist talks and exhibition openings. A great way to start building a collection is to visit an MFA program exhibition or open studio… Educating yourself is the start; whether it’s by attending artist lectures or exhibition openings, you’ll discover different themes or styles that matter to you.” While you’re walking through an art gallery (whether you are looking to buy or not), Stacy advises you pay attention to your emotions. “When you have that guttural reaction of loving an artwork, it’s good to ask yourself why. Evaluating that reaction can be beneficial.”