Unlocking modern art
Plus: The news of the week — New allegations against gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson; Hugh McColl's secrets to advancing in business; Atrium cancels medical debt judgments
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Bechtler Museum executive director Todd Smith shares tips on how to better understand and appreciate contemporary art; Is art ‘a window, or is it a mirror?’
Clare Rojas’ paintings entitled “Tired of thinking” (left) and “Sweeping Away the Static and Negative Energy” will be on display along with 90 others at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art from Sept. 21 through Jan. 20. (Photos courtesy of Bechtler Museum)
by Lindsey Banks
Looking into the eyes of the woman sitting in artist Clare Rojas’ painting entitled “Tired of thinking,” Todd Smith contemplated how the woman wasn’t sliding off the bed at that angle, why her wine glass was nestled in her shoe, and if her diary, with “tired of thinking” etched on the spine, was in fact a diary.
“Is she an artist? Is she a writer? Is she just someone who enjoys taking notes?” Smith pondered out loud. Smith is the executive director of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in uptown. The “Clare Rojas: Past the Present” exhibition runs today through Jan. 20 at the museum.
Art is meant to push its viewers to look at the world differently, Smith told me on a recent trip to the museum. Sometimes, it makes you uncomfortable and provides more questions than answers. Art challenges you to look inwardly, he said.
But how? How is a painting of a woman in a blue dress, sitting on a bed with a dog at her feet and a wine glass in her shoe supposed to make me see the world and myself differently?
I understood the concept, but sometimes, looking at a piece of modern or contemporary art makes me feel like I’m banging on the outside of a window, watching others reach enlightenment through the smudged glass.
That afternoon at the Bechtler Museum, I set out to be let in.
There aren’t any sure-fire steps or instructions on how to take in art and reach an understanding, Smith explained.
How one analyzes art is completely up to them — whether they choose to recognize the emotions or memories that arise while gazing at a piece; whether they spend their time admiring the direction of the brush strokes and wondering how the artist came up with the concept; or whether they question the logistics of the scene, like the full glass of wine in a shoe that would surely topple over in real life.
But the first step, Smith said: Meet the artist halfway.
“You don’t have to agree with the artist,” he said. “You can, at the end, but you sort of have to meet them and say, ‘OK, what are they trying to do?’ And the second thing that I always think about is, is the work of art a window, or is it a mirror? Meaning, is it a window into something you don’t know, to a new place, or is it a mirror back on you?”
Todd Smith became executive director of the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in 2020. The Bechtler Museum was opened in 2010 by Charlotte resident Andreas Bechtler, whose parents, Bessie and Hans Bechtler, began collecting modern art in the 1950s. (Photo courtesy of the Bechtler Museum)
Expand your definition of ‘art’: For those who don’t think art is meant for them, the understanding might come from broadening the definition, Smith said.
“If you think about architecture, you think about design — those are all now art forms that museums celebrate and showcase,” he said.
From the moment you walk into the Bechtler, the atmosphere shifts. It’s intentional, Smith said. Having a grand lobby serves as a transition from the bustling, noisy streets of uptown to the quiet, thoughtful openness of the gallery.
A mural is displayed over the Bechtler Museum front desk, a piece by minimalist artist Sol LeWitt called “Wall Drawing #995 Color Geometric Form.” The mural, which is painted directly on the wall, isn’t the original copy, of course. Actually, an original copy doesn’t exist, Smith said.
Sol LeWitt’s creation is actually a set of written instructions (with a few sketches) on how to recreate the painting.
Take note of what catches your eye: Colors, objects, textures, techniques, emotions, memories — there’s no wrong answer here, Smith said.
“If you look at just a straightforward landscape, even one that looks like the world around you, there might be a color, like a shade of green in that painting that resonates with you as you're looking at it,” Smith said. “And you go outside, and all of a sudden, you see that green somewhere on your walk around your neighborhood in a way that you hadn't seen before.”
Art can also make you feel nostalgic, he said. It can conjure up memories and associations — a Thanksgiving dinner from your childhood, a pattern that resembles your grandmother’s couch or a lyric from your favorite song. That longing can translate into an array of emotions.
Ask questions: If you want to take it a step further and try to understand what influenced or inspired the artist, ask questions — even if you don’t think they’ll be answered.
Taking in a painting is no different than listening to a song for the first time, Smith said, or reading a book. If you’ve ever flipped past the acknowledgment page, some books have “book club” questions listed in the back — questions written by the author to get readers thinking and reflecting on the work.
Some artists will include questions or a background story on a plaque next to the work, which can help viewers get the ball rolling.
Bechtler Musuem’s gallery attendants are trained to be knowledgeable about the art, which is typical at about half of art museums, Smith said. They can give background information on the art and answer some of your questions.
Whether you inquire silently to yourself or have a conversation out loud with whoever is near you, Smith says he usually asks:
Can we know what the artist was trying to do, what their intent was, and if it's historical?
What do we know about that moment in time? What were they thinking about? Were they on one side or the other in politics, economics or education?
Were they appealing to a certain donor, patron or someone who buys the work?
How does that intent get translated into the work?
In the end: Is it successful?
Determining success: There are many ways to evaluate success, Smith said, beyond just the overall attractiveness or neatness of the art.
“If I think the artist's intent was to create something that was purely abstract, does it?” he said, “or [if the artist’s intent was to] evoke an emotion, does it? Change my view on something? Do I believe the story?”
And, if you determine the painting was not successful, that’s OK, too. Art is subjective.
Looking into the eyes of the woman sitting in artist Clare Rojas’s painting entitled “Tired of thinking,” I saw someone annoyed and fed up, breaking the fourth wall, staring at me as I stared at her. Tired of being a spectacle, hanging on the wall for those coming to her for answers.
I felt her tiredness, but moreover, I felt inspired. I also wanted her bedspread. Success.
Lindsey Banks is a staff reporter for The Ledger: lindsey@cltledger.com
🖼️ Planning a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art? The museum is hosting a “family day” today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate the opening of “Clare Rojas: Past the Present.” Admission is free. Click here to learn more.
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A morning with the news hounds
Thanks to all who came out to last weekend’s Charlotte Ledger “Pup Meet-Up” member event at Freedom Park! We enjoyed sharing coffee and conversation with so many treasured readers, and we think the dogs had a fun time, too! Ledger members can look for another get-together in the months to come.
This week in Charlotte: Candidates for governor won’t debate; New developments in Asha Degree case; home sales fall; Contract extension for UNC Charlotte athletic director
On Saturdays, The Ledger sifts through the local news of the week and links to the top articles — even if they appeared somewhere else. We’ll help you get caught up. That’s what Saturdays are for.
Education
N.C. public schools to update performance grade model: (WFAE) The N.C. Department of Public Instruction is working to revise the school performance grade model, with a pilot program potentially launching in 2027-28 if approved by the General Assembly.
CMS investigates ‘hog-tie’ incident: (WSOC) A mother is seeking answers after her 5-year-old autistic son was allegedly hog-tied with restraints by a staff member at Hidden Valley Elementary, resulting in bruises. The incident is currently under investigation by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
Politics
Candidate linked to inflammatory comments: An investigative report by CNN says that Republican candidate for governor Mark Robinson posted inflammatory comments years ago on the message board of a pornography website called Nude Africa. Robinson denied making the comments, saying they were “salacious tabloid lies” and has committed to staying in the race.
Debate offer refused: (WRAL) Democratic candidate for governor Josh Stein says he won’t debate Republican candidate Mark Robinson. Stein, North Carolina’s attorney general, is leading in the polls over Robinson, the state’s lieutenant governor.
Comfy chairs: (WSOC) The city of Charlotte bought 17 office chairs for the meeting room used by elected officials at a cost of $36,441, or more than $2,100 apiece. The chairs made their debut this week and replaced pink chairs that were 15 years old and worn out, a city spokesman said.
Local news
Police search in Asha Degree disappearance: (WSOC) Authorities have been searching two properties in Cleveland County in connection with the 2000 disappearance of 9-year-old Asha Degree. The girl’s disappearance has confounded investigators for more than two decades.
Festival turns 60: (WFAE) The annual Festival in the Park arts festival at Freedom Park is celebrating its 60th anniversary this weekend.
Business
New 31-story tower in the works? In the latest edition of Charlotte Commercial Real Estate Whispers, The Ledger serves up the buzz on a proposed mixed-use tower off Morehead Street, as well as banking titan Hugh McColl’s take on what to do with empty office towers, and an unusual paint job on a Phillips Place hotel. (Ledger 🔒)
Crackdown on long hours after banking death: (Wall Street Journal) Bank of America has developed new tools in its time-keeping software, following the May death of a 35-year-old New York investment banker who had been working 100 hours a week at the bank.
Home sales fall again: The number of home sales in Mecklenburg County in August fell 6% compared with a year earlier, according to new figures from Canopy Realtor Association.
Sports
Benched Bryce: (WCNC) Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young said Thursday that the news that he had been benched following two disastrous losses and just one touchdown in two games “was not something that I was necessarily expecting” and that there is “a long list of things that I wish I was better at and I’m going to continue to work and grow and be better at them. I’m always going to look in the mirror.” The Panthers play the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon.
UNC Charlotte athletic director signs contract extension: (UNC Charlotte) Mike Hill, director of athletics for UNC Charlotte, signed a four-year contract extension Monday. Under Hill’s leadership, the school’s athletics took home five conference championships in their first year in the AAC.
From the Ledger family of newsletters
Building on the Manor Theatre’s legacy: Brad Ritter helped open the Independent Picture House alongside the Charlotte Film Society after Charlotte’s longtime arthouse Manor Theatre closed in 2020, and the nonprofit is now expanding. Listen to the full conversation on The Charlotte Ledger Podcast.
Plus: Opera Carolina postpones ‘Carmen’; Charlotte Agenda founder launches financial newsletter; Arts festival returns
Wednesday (🔒)
How 2 teens carved out success in the lumber business: Spencer Bloom and Jake Johnson started a successful milling business as teenagers during the pandemic, growing it into a thriving company with a warehouse showroom and expanding operations while balancing school and entrepreneurship.
Plus: Hugh McColl’s secrets to advance in business; Aldersgate cuts workforce amid occupancy decline; Commissioners vote 6-3 to support transit plan; New fire station for Pineville
Friday (🔒)
Atrium cancels past medical debt judgments: Atrium Health is canceling over 11,500 medical debt liens, offering relief to many North Carolinians as part of its efforts to reform debt collection practices.
Plus: How Mecklenburg counts ballots on Election Day; New mobility tools at county parks
Ways of Life (🔒)
Lanny Loftis, a beloved Charlotte umpire who officiated sports for 32 years, is remembered fondly by the community for his passion, humor and impact on local sports. He died Sept. 5 from pancreatic cancer at 72.
Turmoil over transit plan: Matthews Mayor John Higdon is pushing to revise Charlotte's transportation funding plan ahead of a sales tax referendum, proposing more money for rail and roads, but faces opposition from other local officials like Mecklenburg commissioner Leigh Altman, who called Higdon’s request a “political stunt.”
Charlotte FC skidding in September: Charlotte FC lost 2-0 to Orlando City, marking a slump with only one goal in the last three games. Coach Dean Smith highlights the need for more creativity and movement in attack as the team prepares for crucial matches against New England and Inter Miami.
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Executive editor: Tony Mecia; Managing editor: Cristina Bolling; Staff writer: Lindsey Banks; Business manager: Brie Chrisman, BC Creative
Such a great way to keep up with so many things! Thanks!