Staff Picks: Monica Bober's CAM Favorites
Get to know our museum staff through the art they love. In this series, staff select their favorite artworks and explain what draws them toward these works.
The Sacred Hour (Die Heilige Stunde) (Circa 1907 - Circa 1911) by Ferdinand Hodler (Swiss, b.1853, d.1918)Cincinnati Art Museum
Every visitor has a favorite Cincinnati Art Museum artwork. The same is true of museum staff. From in-depth analyses to playful interpretations, this series highlights the diverse personalities that make up the museum’s staff.
This month, Monica Bober, HR Generalist, has picked her five favorite pieces.
Max Jacob (1876-1944) (Circa 1916 - Circa 1917) by Amedeo Modigliani (Italian, b.1884, d.1920)Cincinnati Art Museum
Creepy, but warm
I love Modigliani's paintings. I think his lack of eyes in most of his portraits lend a slightly creepy vibe to an otherwise ordinary portrait. However, I still find them inviting and warm. I love this painting so much that I have a smaller version displayed on my desk at CAM.
Currently on view in G229.
The Sacred Hour (Die Heilige Stunde) (Circa 1907 - Circa 1911) by Ferdinand Hodler (Swiss, b.1853, d.1918)Cincinnati Art Museum
Massive mirror
The size of this painting captivated me the very first time I visited CAM. I love the colors in the painting and how your eyes can't settle on just one thing for too long before being drawn to another. My favorite part of this painting is how the two woman appear to be mirrored images of each other but when viewed closely enough are actually slightly different. It reminds me of myself and my older sister, Michelle.
Currently on view in G228.
"Ali Baba" Vase (1881) by Mary Louise McLaughlin (American, b.1847, d.1939)Cincinnati Art Museum
Ceramic stories
In my opinion you cannot go wrong by spending a good chunk of your visit in the Rookwood Pottery section of CAM. The stories behind each piece are amazing. I love this particular vase because it is the largest vase to have been done at this time using the under-glaze technique. It is also done by a female artist! I think it is important to appreciate both of these accomplishments and show how they have paved the way for female artists of the future, like my mother who also finds inspiration from the pottery she creates from the early Rookwood pieces.
Currently on view in G114.
Pete Rose (1985) by Andy WarholCincinnati Art Museum
From Pittsburgh with love
This is one of my favorite pieces for a more sentimental reason. Just like the artist, Andy Warhol, I grew up in the Pittsburgh area before finding my way to Cincinnati. I also enjoy art and sports just the same. I feel this painting resonates with me on a level of emotion that shows that two very different world's can collide and you can have an interest in both sports and art.
Currently on view in G231.
Daughters of Revolution (1932) by Grant WoodCincinnati Art Museum
Gathered to gossip
The silly smiles on these women's faces is one of the leading reasons I love the painting. I picture that they all met up to dish on the latest gossip while walking around the museum and sipping on some Earl Grey. I also love that this painting features another famous painting in the background.
Not currently on view in G211.
I have been working as the CAM HR Generalist since February of 2018. I graduated from Xavier in 2017 with a degree in Strategic HR Management. I love my position at the Art Museum as it gives me an opportunity to give back to the Cincinnati community and mix personal and professional interests. When I'm not at CAM you can find me hanging outside with my rescue pup, Oberon, grabbing a beer with friends at a local watering hole or watching a sporting event. Not being an educated/professional in Art, I hope you enjoy my staff picks!
Special thanks to...
The Google Arts & Culture Team:
-Rachel Ellison, Administrative Assistant, Learning & Interpretation
-Summer Cook, Exhibitions Assistant
-Keith Gollar, Digital Content Coordinator
Head of Photographic Services:
-Rob Deslongchamps
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