Introducing: the SU Art Museum Seasonal Playlist

By Christine Dugas '27, MA in Art History

A few years ago, I worked as a gallery attendant at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. In their permanent collection galleries, some artworks were accompanied by a QR code that led to a piece of music composed by local musicians in response to that particular work. For visiting school groups, a docent would play the songs and have students guess which art the music was created for. I loved that programming and, still inspired by it today, decided to put together a playlist.  

The dialogue between art and music, whether environmental or conceptual, can capture intangible feelings and provide a moment of reflection. By compiling seasonal playlists connected to the SU Art Museum’s collection, I want to curate small opportunities for these creative and contemplative encounters. With each song, I have sought out a work of art that reflects and plays with the lyricism, sound, or both. Part of the beauty of art and music, though, is how they are experienced on an individual level. These are my personal interpretations — what might be yours?   

Happy spring, and happy listening!   

Portal IX by Luise Kaish.

Portal IX from the Portal series, circa 1985 - 1988
Luise Clayborn Kaish (American, 1925 - 2013)
Collage and mixed media
2021.0065

300 Dreams
After

Flowers by Kazumasa Ogawa.

Flowers, circa 1880
Kazumasa Ogawa (Japanese, 1860 - 1929)
Colored collotype
1990.769

I Could Be A Florist
Olivia Dean

Gay's Fables: The Butterfly and the Snail by William Blake.

Gay's Fables: The Butterfly And the Snail, 1793
William Blake (British, 1757 - 1827)
Engraving
1990.769

Garden Gate
Mon Rovîa

Study, standing nude with orange drape by Harriet Whitney Frishmuth.

[Study, standing nude with orange drape], circa 1920
Harriet Whitney Frishmuth (American, 1880 - 1980)
Crayon
2000.0152

Silk Chiffon
MUNA, Phoebe Bridgers

Sun Series by Richard Anuszkiewicz.

Sun Series,1980
Richard Anuszkiewicz (American, 1896 - 1952)
Screenprint
1991.398

Si Me Voy
Cuco, The Marías

Queen Anne's Lace by Warren Bryan Mack.

Queen Anne's Lace, 1947
Warren Bryan Mack (American, 1986 - 1952)
Wood engraving
2009.0017

Flowers In Your Hair
The Lumineers

May Dream by Matsumi Kanemitsu.

May Dream, 1977
Matsumi Kanemitsu (American, 1922 - 1992)
Color lithograph
2004.0046

Warm Ways
Fleetwood Mac

Arrival VII from the Butterfly series by Morton Kaish.

Arrival VII from the Butterly series, 2018
Morton Kaish (American, 1927 - 2025)
Acrylic, pencil, and pastel
2021.0066

Butterflies
Kacey Musgrave

Metamorphosis by Letterio Calapai.

The Breakthrough, 1959
Letterio Calapai (American, 1902 - 1993)
Aquatint with engraving, gauffrage
2023.200

Metamorphosis
Infinity Song

The Garden of Love by Robert Indiana.

The Garden of Love, 1982
Robert Indiana (American, 1928 - 2018)
Portfolio of six screenprints
1984.877

Love Today
MIKA