Resorts at Sea: September update

While browsing the local public library, I found an exhibition catalog entitled The Mark Goodson Collection: Modern Masters from The Collection of Mark Goodson. Mark Goodson, Mark Goodson. Why does this name sound familiar? Ah! The Match Game! (“A Mark Goodman, Bill Todman production.”) Yes … Completely random, and the first impression is a little off topic.

However, upon further reading, two of the artists in the collection are in my list of artisans whose work was featured on these mid-century liners: Lyonel Feininger and Isamu Noguchi. Feininger’s work appeared on the Constitution (1951); Noguchi, the Argentina (1948). Here’s where I’ve struggled a little with the scope of this project. Should I even try to put into context their shipboard artwork with their entire career? I don't think so, because it’s not about them, it’s about the ships. At best, an appendix listing the artists and their notable works with brief bios may be the most appropriate solution. That ends the debate for now.

I’m operating under the assumption that – with the exception of the ss United States, whose furnishings/fixtures/artwork were sold off in 1984 – it’s unlikely much from these ships have survived. But to be sure, I started Googling the artworks. Huzzah! Enigma of Joy (mentioned in last month’s update) is currently resting in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, a donation of the U.S. Maritime Administration. And here’s a better image …

Attilio Salemme’s Enigma of Joy was part of the ss Argentina’s post World War II refit.

I’m seeing abstract representations of the Easter Island statues. How about you?

It’s a small victory, but a win’s a win.