San Jose Museum of Art

San Jose Museum of Art gift shop is in a beautiful historic building that was the main San Jose Library when I was a kid. It was quarried from local Greystone sandstone in 1892. The art at this museum can best be described as modern and contemporary art.

Some pieces are self-explanatory in their creation while other take more thought and understanding of the artist. Modern and Contemporary Art are expressions of experimentation with media of any type using color, shapes, and lines. It is, in a sense, a rejection of history and established values.

Contemporary Art came after Modern Art and is more conceptual and incorporates a cultural dialog, personal identity, nationality, or political opinion, usually by someone living today. It has no distinguishing feature or single characteristic that can define it.

So, with that in mind, you must look deeper into the art displayed at the San Jose Museum of Art. It can be whimsical, disorganized, multi-media, emotional, disturbing, or funny, and often reflects the issues that are important in society. Hope that helps. The museum opens late morning Friday through Sunday. Cost is $10. I also recommend  visiting the San Jose Museum of Textiles and Quilts.