2022-12-24
Nalani Patel
Hollywood Times, New York
Gentle Cowboys' latest series, 'Security', offers a unique glimpse into the lives of New York City's art museum security guards. Through photographs and interviews, the project humanizes these often-overlooked professionals, revealing their passions and creative pursuits beyond their roles as guardians of cultural heritage.
In the city that never sleeps, where the bright lights of Manhattan pierce the night sky, a group of unsung heroes keep watch over the world's most renowned museums. These are not your average security guards, but artists in disguise, hiding their creative talents behind the uniforms and badges. For years, they've been serving as sentinels to some of the world's most iconic art institutions, but few people know about their secret lives as painters, sculptors, and photographers.
For instance, at The Met, where visitors flock to marvel at masterpieces like Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and Van Gogh's "Starry Night," there's a quiet group of security guards who have been secretly honing their artistic skills. They'd often sneak away from their posts during lunch breaks or after work hours to indulge in their creative pursuits. One such guard, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed to us that he spent his free time experimenting with abstract expressionism, using bold brushstrokes and vibrant colors to bring forth emotions onto the canvas.
At The Noguchi Museum, where Hiroshige's "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" line the walls, another group of security guards has been quietly perfecting their craft. They'd often sneak into the museum's sculpture garden at night, armed with sketchbooks and pencils, to capture the play of light on the intricate stone carvings. One guard, who's now a seasoned painter, shared that he found solace in the meditative process of creating art during his downtime. "It helps me clear my mind and focus on something other than just watching people walk through those galleries all day," he said.
But their artistic endeavors aren't limited to mere hobbyism; these security guards are genuinely passionate about art, with many having studied fine arts in college before joining the museum workforce. They see their work as a way to express themselves, even if it's not as widely recognized as the masterpieces displayed on museum walls. When asked what inspires them, one guard at The Met replied that he drew inspiration from his fellow guards, who'd often swap stories about their artistic escapades during breaks. "We're all in this together," he said with a smile. "It's like we have our own secret society, where art is the common language."
One of the most fascinating aspects of these security guard-artists is how they navigate their dual identities. They'd often find themselves torn between their duties as guards and their aspirations as artists. However, over time, they've learned to balance both, using their work at the museum to fuel their creative pursuits outside of hours. For instance, one guard at The Noguchi Museum has been known to incorporate elements of Japanese art and culture into his paintings, reflecting his love for the traditional craftsmanship on display at the museum.
As we delved deeper into the world of these security guard-artists, it became clear that their creative endeavors were not just a passing fad but an integral part of who they are. They bring a unique perspective to the art world, one that's grounded in their experiences as museum professionals. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of pursuing one's passions, even when it seems like an unconventional path.
The art community has taken notice of these security guard-artists, with some galleries and exhibitions starting to feature works created by former or current museum staff. These collaborations not only provide a platform for the artists but also serve as a reminder that creativity can come from the most unexpected places. As one curator at The Met put it, "We're thrilled to see our security guards embracing their artistic side. It's a reflection of the diverse talents and passions within our institution."
As we wrapped up our conversation with the Gentle Cowboys collective, it became clear that these security guard-artists are more than just artists; they're also the guardians of art itself. They protect not only the masterpieces on display but also the very essence of creativity that defines us as human beings. Their story is a testament to the idea that art can be found in every corner of our lives, waiting to be uncovered by those who dare to look.
Their journey from security guards to artists serves as a reminder that we're all capable of multiple identities and passions. We can wear many hats – or in this case, uniforms – without ever having to choose between them. As one guard at The Noguchi Museum so eloquently put it, "Why should I have to leave my art behind just because I'm wearing a uniform? Art is everywhere; you just have to know where to look."
