work of the month


(click on image to enlarge)

Franz Kline (American, 1910-1962)
Hot Jazz, 1940
Oil on board; 45 1/2 x 46 1/2 inches
Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Below is a list of questions the Museum posed to our visitors, both in the Gallery and on-line. Highlights from the collected responses are posted here. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us.

  • What questions arise for you as you view this work?
    • What is Kline saying about jazz?
    • Why jazz?
    • Are the people inside a building or on the rooftop?
    • Where is this place? Who is she? What song is she singing?
    • How long did it take to complete the painting?
    • Why all black musicians?
    • What compelled Kline to paint such a scene?
    • Who is she? Where is she? What is the background? Bar, dance, etc?
    • Is this Mardi Gras or American jazz?
  • What do you enjoy most about the work?
    • The mood of the painting; the playing of the music (jazz).
    • I can almost hear the music.
    • The movement.
    • The figure of the woman in the blue gown - The musicians seem to be having a great time playing their music.
    • Shadows.
    • Scene and mood of a smoky club.
    • Looking at what the people were doing.
    • Girl.
    • The piece not only looks fun, it looks so historical. Such an homage to such an interesting and exciting time in our country.
    • It's festive.
    • The "motion" and "sound" of the piece.
    • The blue colors.
    • The singing.
  • What do you dislike about this work?
    • Framing.
    • Boy.
    • Primary colors.
    • The woman's dress and stance.
    • The lady in the middle.
    • The woman's face.
    • Too much instruments.
    • You cannot really see the Patron's faces - are they enjoying themselves? Maybe we could see more amusement among the club patrons.
    • I wish I could view this club or "speak easy" from afar. A wider view would allow me to see the crowd and the people enjoying the music.

  • Is there a story in this work for you? If so, what is the story you see in the work?
    • Jazz is enjoyed by all.
    • The relationships of the singer and musicians.
    • People leaving their worries and cares behind for a night of song and drink and friendship. The singer seems so into the "groove."
    • Looking for a vision to paint, some time you have to explore your world to get an idea.
    • No.
    • It's a frozen memory of a time that is good. Perhaps the singer was your friend. Perhaps here is where your sweetheart first looked into your eyes with love or it's the first dance with them.
    • My story would be one of infatuation. I am the one sitting quietly in the corner, sipping bourbon and water. Amazed by her everything - voice, body, image.
    • Yes - singer is completely into music as musicians take their cue from her and back her up.
  • What do you think this work means or says?
    • Jazz is exciting. Jazz lifts your spirit.
    • It sings in music of the eyes.
    • The artist wanted to convey a popular scene of the time - going out to a club to hear great music and have fun!
    • Meaning - Fast-paced world! Saying - Enjoy life - "All the Arts!"
    • Sex sells! But seriouslyfthe passion aroused by music, all the emotions involved.
    • Hot Jazz.
    • Life can be good, but the moment is fleeting. Cherish it!
    • I think the artist is simply trying to portray "Hot Jazz." A fun time and a somewhat dangerous time of (can't read this word) the mob, tommy guns, and cigarettes.
    • I don't know. It says something different for everyone
    • Commissioned - says happiness and enjoy life.

  • What aspects of the work are you most curious about, and what answers would you like to have about those aspects of the work?
    • I wonder who the woman is.
    • The overall painting represents the days of my father's youth.
    • Why does the crowd of patrons seem so uninterested in the singer or musicians? Are they so into the flow of liquor, food, and conversation they dim the singer? It seems a contrast to what is happening center-stage to what is happening at the tables - More attention should be placed by the patrons (of the club) on the performers! Some seem to be dancing - others do not feel the "vibes!"
    • Was interesting to see that it was Kline - what a surprise!
    • Why did he paint it on a board? Did Kline paint other murals? What type?
    • I want to hear! There is no sound! Hoots! Hollers! Jazz! Bottles clanking! I want to smell smoke and liquor!
    • How long did she work ? Has it been retouched? How did he transition from this to abstract? All other questions are answered by the wall info.

    Further Comments
    • I see a jazz band playing music. A young woman dancing and having a strong resemblance to Maryln Monrow. In the background other people are enjoying the music as well. The painting though I think in directed or focused on the lady in blue and the "Hot Jazz." I could almost hear the jazz and want to dance. (Sorry I'm a bad speller. I'm in a hurry. Ashley Rose, Age 11)
    • An excellent usage of colour in human tragedy. A sexual visual of breath-taking wonderment. I find this piece very exciting.
    • I would like to see the lighting coming from underneath! (The bottom of the painting!) Lighting is such an important part of the display, why not give it a different angle.
    • The flowing paint strokes give a strong feeling of movement. There is a lot of action and sound but the focus is definitely on the woman in the foreground. This painting successfully conveys jazz.
    • Thanks for the opportunity to view the painting.
    • Awesome museum!
    • I think you should add more abstract art but no more NUDES! If you do, keep in ONE SECTION.
    • The most dangerous and cool music of its day -- controversial and bold and daring.
    • Is that woman Madonna?

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