Throughout the past year we’ve asked our visitors (both physical and digital) to share the ways that the Getty has inspired them. We’ve been astonished by the number of posts on social media—30,000 Instagram posts and counting—and over 150 contributions of art and writing by all of you amazing artists, makers, and creators in all mediums.
As the lucky person who tracks the hashtag and uploads, I get inspired by all of the incredible work you all create. As a thank you as the project draws to a close, I wanted to share some of my favorite #GettyInspired submissions from the last twelve months.
1. Precious Pomegranates
Pomegranate Sketch by Sarah Ferone. Courtesy of and © Sarah Ferone
One of our very first contributions came from Sarah Ferone, an illustrator, who shared this playful pomegranate sketch inspired by actual pomegranates she came across on a visit to Robert Irwin’s Central Garden, here at the Getty Center.
2. Dazzling Dancers
Renee Stewart dances at the Getty Center. Courtesy of Jacob Jonas
Soon after the launch of #GettyInspired we worked with Jacob Jonas to bring cameras and dancers to our locations. This is **just one** of many amazing photographs from a handful of visits worth checking out.
3. Our Mayor!
I couldn’t talk about this project without mentioning a major highlight for me, a video with the mayor of Los Angeles, Eric Garcetti! The mayor discusses how Los Angeles inspires and why he plays improvisational jazz while taking us on a visual stroll through exquisite Julius Shulman prints (which are on loan to his office from the Getty Research Institute).
4. Amazing Architecture
Getty Center photographs by Brian Love
Another favorite thing I see when combing through all the #GettyInspired photos on Instagram is the amazing architectural photographs. I love how multiple people bring their own unique perspectives to create countless unique images of the same building. Here are a few recent favorites by photographer Brian Love.
5. Ed Ruscha Redux
Photo by Terry Nicolai
Terry Nicolai captured this Ed Ruscha-inspired moment on a trip to Bakersfield, CA. I love the intense contrast between the darkness and artificial light.
6. A Grass Dance
Sometimes inspiration comes from unlikely sources. I really enjoy this short video of artist Julia Calabrese rolling and dancing on the Getty’s lawns.
7. Mapplethorpe Moment
This past summer was Mapplethorpe mania at the Getty. Liu Zheng remixed a Getty Instagram post into an amazing watercolor that elaborates on a quintessential Mapplethorpe image.
8. Funny Faces
Kate Berlant at the Getty Museum
Lastly, comedian Kate Berlant shared the way some “grotesque” works in a James Ensor exhibition inform the funny faces she makes in her own work—and life!
Add your own work to this great mix. Uploads of art and writing to getty.edu/inspired close this coming Monday, October 17, but don’t stop sharing through social media! We will still be eagerly watching #GettyInspired and sharing some of our favorite creations, too!
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Although many years ago I visited the Getty Villa, I haven’t yet seen the Getty Center..
I am an artist and calligrapher and have been doing research on illuminated manuscripts.
I have taught calligraphy and collage at Broward College here in Florida.
Unfortunately, my health doesn’t allow me to travel, but I enjoy all the information that’s available on the internet.
Keep up the good work.
What a honor that you included my photo. Thank you.