MEDIUM OF THE ART/TECHNIQUE OF THE ARTIST
It is clear when you are standing in front of great art, why it holds such much significance in mankind's history. Seeing an immaculate Roman sculpture or a beautifully handcrafted Aborigine headdress transcends appearance, and opens a door into another culture's world. Seeing art in person also brings the history to life, changing you into more than an observer.
I have always been fascinated by seeing the sharp contrast of the grand wavy brushstrokes on delicately crafted paintings. It shows the artists ability to paint with a river like flow, rather than a meticulous precision. Making their end result all the more magnificent. Opening a connection into the mind of the painters true expression. In the painting above the striking pose of the people poised in front of a grand yet distant town really sparked a connection in me. The indifferent people in the forefront of a dreamlike landscape, gave a vibe of warm indifference, only complimented by the effortless brushstrokes of the painter. It reminded me of our societies ability to be numb to so much of the worlds beauty in order to protect ourselves, more so our social identities.
DESIGN OF THE MUSEUM
The museum blends so many vibrantly diverse cultures together it feels as if it is the gorgeous color palette of painter, like the distinct choices of blue walls and maze like design, to contrast the dark leaf green of the Frida Kahlo exhibit. I was never bored on my tour, always finding a new fascination amidst the art. I was particularly fascinated by the exhibit of Frida Kahlo. I found myself just as equally captivated as those of her era, with her very rare and unsettling beauty clamping onto your attention. It was such a sharp contrast to the sleek modern look of the modern oil paintings I had been looking at moments earlier I was almost startled. But then I was soothed by such a calming looking into a charming women's life of being an icon of art for decades.
ART AND CORE VALUES
As a said earlier, seeing art in person opens a door into another worlds culture. This dress above is a ornately decorated marriage dress for the young women of the Mfengu people, with finely crafted beads across the chests signifying a protection of the heart. This connected with me at a core level, a family of people hoping to ensure the one part of life that they value so greatly, their families heart. In a world of such excessive hatred and division, seeing another world hold the sanctity of their loved ones heart so dearly touches me. It helps me see the real value in life, the bonds I have with beloved people. A world not too far in time, but decades away in societal advancement teaching a fundamental lesson that is easily forgotten is beautiful. It fills me with hope and joy.
ART AND THE GOOD LIFE
The "Good Life" should be without question what leads you to meaningful satisfaction in life. I never was able to discover the name of this piece of modern art above, but it allowed to me interpret in my own fashion. The brain shaped metal bindings of hair and rock, symbolizing the constraint our own minds playing in our self exploration. A fear or opening ourselves up leads to a self made hold, preventing us from ever really discovering ourselves. In my opinion, one of the largest portion of living a good life is expanding ourselves in all facets of life to reach our true potential, and this art instilled in me the drive to break from my own fears and worries to expand myself in any way possible.
THE END