Staff Picks: Gillean Dublow'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.
Suit of ArmorCincinnati 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, Gillean Dublow, Security Guard, has picked her five favorite pieces.
Ichimura Uzaemon as Okiku's Ghost and Ichikawa Kodanji as Asayama Kozan (?) (1863) by Toyohara Kunichika (Japanese, b.1835, d.1900), printmakerCincinnati Art Museum
Yokai & yurei
I have a proclivity for Japanese artwork, specifically ukiyo-e woodblock prints. I love the compositions, colors, distorted or flattened poses of the figures, and the history they depict. This print by Toyohara Kunichika is a favorite of mine not only because of the decorative patterns and colors on the actors clothing, but also because of the inclusion of a yurei (ghost). I'm a huge fan of yokai (monsters), yurei, and anything spooky so this print in particular grabbed my attention immediately.
Not currently on view.
Nō MaskCincinnati Art Museum
Survivor
The pronounced wrinkles in the face and the twisted hairstyle accompanied by the long beard makes this Nō theater mask my favorite of the three we have display in Gallery 138. It’s incredible that these masks have existed and survived since the 17th century.
Currently on view in G138.
Pair of Eightfold Screens: Scenes from Tale of Genji (Late 17th century (Edo Period)) by UnknownCincinnati Art Museum
Dreamlike
This eight paneled folding screen titled “Scenes from the Tale of Genji” is another one of my favorite pieces. The overwhelming gold clouds covering the width of this piece gives it a very atmospheric and otherworldly feel as they disperse to reveal separate portions of this antiquated Japanese tale. It feels more cohesive and dream-like when the story is visually executed in this manner.
Currently on view in G138.
Suit of ArmorCincinnati Art Museum
Art of war
My first time seeing a suit of Japanese armor in person was here at CAM during our Japanese Arms and Armors exhibit back in 2017. In fact I saw eleven whole samurai suits! With this particular suit of armor, I enjoy how the artistic detail takes it from being simply a functional object for battle to also being an art piece in itself. I really admire the amount of time, talent, and detail that went into making this suit beautiful although its purpose was to be damaged if not destroyed.
Not currently on view.
Shell with Fishing SceneCincinnati Art Museum
Utterly enchanting
This piece is utterly enchanting in the level of detail. At only 3 x 5 x 3 ¾ inches large, this carved ivory piece depicts several full bodied figures and fishing equipment, including a delicate yet intact, whole fishing net! Knowing how small this piece is, that it is carved with such care, and that it’s believed to be from the late 1800s is remarkable and something I can’t wrap my mind around.
Not currently on display.
Gillean started working in security at CAM in August of 2016 while entering her Junior year of college, majoring in Fine Arts at UC's DAAP program.
Special thanks to...
-Rachel Ellison, Administrative Assistant, Learning & Interpretation
-Keith Gollar, Digital Content Coordinator
-Rob Deslongchamps, Head of Photographic Services
