Last month I finally managed to get to the new Art of the Americas Wing at the MFA and it's taken me the few weeks since to form a conclusion about it all. I know that seems rather ridiculous, but it's more complicated than simply liking it or not liking it.
At first, I didn't like it at all and I wasn't sure if this was based solely on the fact that I don't do change well. Hell, I've had literally decades to adjust to the slow and steady changes the MFA has been undergoing- the better part of my life thus far- and I'm still not ready for them. So I thought my dislike of the new galleries and the layout of the exhibits within them was simply due to my inability to adjust to anything new. I did like the gallery that is a perfect recreation of a 19th century European salon, a wonderful experience and so different from what the contemporary gallery or museum visitor sees. And while it's no longer nearly as extensive as the original galleries full of period rooms and furniture, the fact that the MFA has reinstalled several of them (and in much more accurate detail than those previous) is a joy. But the rest? Sigh. The mixing and matching of various items created within a time period or genre, all displayed together within a gallery, didn't always thrill me. In some of the galleries it just seemed to be too much. I was even less than happy with the Sargent Gallery, which really surprised me. I mean, who would have ever thought I wouldn't be ecstatic to have an entire gallery devoted to Sargent? Trust me, no one was more shocked than I at this revelation.
However, given a little time to ruminate on it, I'm finding myself less and less appalled by it all. Do I wish I could go back to the MFA of my childhood? The MFA I knew every stairwell and corner of with my eyes closed? Of course, because that's just my nature. But I also know that everything must change, including my most beloved (and familiar) institutions. And I know that eventually I'll most likely grow fond of this new version of the MFA, but it's going to take time. Possibly even decades. Just be gentle with me and let me ease my way into this new and unfamiliar world of art.
