We speak to one of our favorite babes about short, museum-appropriate dresses, Frida’s enchanting severity, and romance in museums. Read our interview here
People often email me asking, “Who is that babe?”, adding “Please e-troduce me to her!” and “I’d pay for her museum pass any day.” (whatever that means)
Although there’s a rush of shared bewilderment and excitement when it comes to random babe encounters at the museum, they’re often very short-lived: take a few photos quick enough not to make it totally feel awkward, exchange emails, and we part ways and fade out into the gallery’s horizons. Often, all this is done in less than 30 seconds. Cool, right? But who are these mademoiselles of the arts?
I decided to start a new column where I track down our favorite museum babes in order to get to know the babe behind the babe.
We recently caught up Ana Triana to talk about short, museum-appropriate dresses, Frida Kahlo’s stern charm, and what’s most romantic about museums.
BATM: Hey Ana! Introduce yourself for us.
Ana: Hola, I am Ana Triana aka Ana3Ana. I was born in Sagua la Grande, Cuba but raised under the hot Miami sun. I moved to NYC in ’09 in search of adventure, change and myself. I stay busy traveling and searching for inspiration through art, music and fashion.
What was your encounter with Babes At The Museum like?
I was photographed at MoMA’s PS1 during the summer of 2010. I got it right away. I like to support anyone who is doing something artistic, that I find interesting, as a means of expression. Sure, I did not fully understand how it would end up but hell, the idea was good so I was happy to support it. Plus come on, I am a BABE! (jk)
Yes. You. Are! So what brought you out to the MoMA PS1 that day?
I went to enjoy the scenery of the beautiful installation “Holding Pattern” for MoMA’s summer program, which is always interesting to see. Obviously it was also a glorious sunny day to enjoy a PBR or two with some friends.
I miss the Summer. So do you remember what you were wearing?
But, of course, Free People rainbow short dress. Nude Sandals I got in Ibiza, Vintage grey clutch I got in Miami.
When are you most in the mood to go to the museum?
I am always in the mood to go to the museum. It’s a place full of “items” to inspire you, anger you, excite you, confuse you, whatever the art does to you. That said, for me it’s where I can channel other people’s energy through their works, not limited to the artists, and in a way identify with some. I am a visual person, I need to constantly see, see, and see! Also it’s a great hang out, you meet new people and you always expect to find people of some with at least a minimum of culture.
Do you take notice in other people when you’re at museums?
Yes. I am always observing everyone around me. I am a Virgo, it’s in my nature.
Which artist touches your senses the most?
Frida Kahlo. Her works can truly move me; I have studied, as a hobby, her works for several years and over time, I continue to find more personal resonances in her paintings. She was one of the most interesting woman figures of her time and she continues to leave her mark on modern society. Especially with her centennial last year, it was amazing to find her plastered from Converse to notepads. She possessed a kind severity that is still very enchanting…
Self-Portrait with Monkeys, 1943 by Friday Kahlo
Which artist best portrays the female allure?
Frida Kahlo of course, but also Picasso.
Tell us what your last trip to the museum was like?
Too fresh, I last went to see ALL by Maurizio Cattelan. It was an experience I still carry with me. The artist was able to connect with me through his art and left a myriad of his messages in my head.
What do you like most about museums?
You are allowed to stare without appearing odd.
Writer and philosopher Alain de Botton once described the British Museum as London’s most romantic landmark, saying “Museums are sexy because you’re able to study people secretly while pretending to stare at the art.” To what extent can museums be romantic for you?
I have to completely agree with de Botton, he’s right; I do it all the time. People are first and foremost the most interesting subjects available. Like I mentioned earlier, museums are a place for emotion, encounters, and discovery. However my opinion differs from de Botton’s in that I don’t limit the romance to just between the people in the museum, it can also be with the art, the architecture and the feelings these create combined or separately.
(photo by Elena Gorelik)
Is a museum trip more for solo wanderlust or a group excursion?
Depends, if the exhibition is for discussion or for absorption. I remember few years ago I went to the Whitney Museum to see Jenny Holzer’s exhibit and I did not speak a word to my date. Personally, I thought it was art for processing and doing inventory with your own thoughts, but going to MoMA to see the Bauhaus exhibition was more fun with a companion. Sometimes commentary helps in your own understanding when you realize others have similar or different opinions.
If the museum had to bend the rules on something, what should it be?
They should stay open late more often!
(photo by Elena Gorelik)
