MEDIUM OF THE ART/TECHNIQUE OF THE ARTIST: This painting called "City Blocks" by Bertram Hartman is a unique work that I was able to fully understand by seeing it in person. Viewing it in person helped me capture the depth and contrasting colors of the artwork. In the back part of the painting, there is a boat near a port; and it almost appears to be on the same level as the city buildings. It seems as if everything is very crunched together, and I think this is the main goal of the artist. Hartman was trying to convey the idea that cities are very packed together, and so he decided to paint a condensed city. This artwork speaks the truth of reality to me and how the world is becoming more populated and busy with every passing day. It made me feel connected to the real world and the run-down and tired mood of city life.
DESIGN OF THE MUSEUM: The design of the Harn was aesthetically pleasing to me as I took my tour. Each exhibit was placed in an appropriate location. The abstract art had its place and some of the art was designated by region or culture, such as African art and Spanish art having their respective sections. The wing of the museum that appealed to me the most was garden in the Asian Art Wing of the museum. This beautiful Asian water garden perfectly blended a contemporary feel with a strong connection to nature. This was also one of the only parts of the museum that was outdoors. What further enhanced the mood of the exhibit was the weather. I visited this exhibit when there was a strong overcast in the sky, and I felt that this made the exhibit much more enjoyable. The Asian-styled plants and flowers and other features added to the overall experience of this particular exhibit. Nature is not always recognized as a form of art, yet it is the most pure form of art because it was created by God.
ART AND CORE VALUES: There were many artworks throughout the museum that had the potential to connect with one of my core values, but I felt the best connection with this odd form of art. The purpose of this "Double-Faced Mask" invented by the African Senufo people was to fend off evil spirits. My connection is a little different because I resort to prayer to fend off the evil in my life, but I am on the same page with the Senufo people in that I am strong with my faith. This artwork brings out a feeling of protection within me in knowing that I am safe if I just believe in myself and God.
ART AND THE GOOD LIFE: One may think that a painting of a large group of cyclists has very little to do with the Good Life, but I was able to find some aspect of it. The large mass of cyclists shows how, in life, we may be very close to one another but are racing towards our own individual goals, oblivious to what others are doing around us. This painting actually depicts what we should not be doing with our lives. The description on the painting indicates that the bikers are in conversation, but I find it hard to believe that people could have real conversations while being occupied with something else. This painting taught me that I should take time to connect with the people around me and establish strong relationships with them instead of just going with the fast flow of life.
WORKS CITED: Kahlo, Frida. Krida Kahlo Exhibit. N.d. Exhibit. Harn Museum of Art, Gainesville. Hartman, Bertram. City Blocks. 1929. Oil on board. Harn Museum of Art, Gainesville. Korisu, Hoichi. Asian Water Garden. N.d. Harn Museum of Art, Gainesville. Senufo People, and Cote D'Ivoire. Double-Faced Mask (waniougo). 20th Century. Wood with traces of paint. Harn Museum of Art, Gainesville. Purser, Stuart Robert. Bicycles. 1946. Oil on canvas. Harn Museum of Art, Gainesville.