Clyfford Still Museum Offers Look Into Artist's Vision
DENVER (CBS4)- For the past 30 years, Sandra Still Campbell and her sister Diane have been trying to decide what to do with their father's art.
The decision has been made and now one of the great unseen collections of abstract expressionism is on display at the Clyfford Still Museum.
"It took us time to accept Denver, knowing that he spent so much time in the east. He is more of a Western spirit. He hasn't been as Europeanized as his contemporaries were, being on the East Coast. He really did rather come out of the blue, so to speak, to the rest of the country," said Clyfford's daughter Sandra told CBS4 Critic at Large Greg Moody. "He was never afraid of space and openess."
Still's style of Abstract Expressionism was gaining fame for fellow artists Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollack in the late 40s. That's when Still was inspired to step away from the limelight.
"And he just said, 'I have to leave. I can't feed the machine.' He was disappointed for the purpose of why some of them painted," said Sandra.
Now, Sandra embraces her father's fame in the new museum dedicated to his art.
"It's wonderful. In gratitude, in relief that they're not rolled up in an old house or in a warehouse where they can't be seen," said Sandra.
"It's breathtaking for us, too. And very emotional because Diane and I never felt possessive of Dad's work, but overly protective maybe."
The Clyfford Still Museum opens Friday, Nov. 18. It is located right behind the Hamilton Building of the Denver Art Museum at the corner of 13th and Bannock.
Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for college students and seniors, $3 for ages 5 to 17.
Related Link: clyffordstillmuseum.org
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