Medium of the Art / Technique of the Artist: This is a picture of my friend Hannah who accompanied me to the Harn. The painting she is standing in front of is "Tokyo Street with Panchinko Parlor II" by Yvonne Jacquette. The impressionistic style can truly only be appreciated in full in person. The colors chosen illuminate the canvas and draw the viewer in from across the room. From afar, it seems like a simple painting but up close, you can see how detailed the artwork really is. I could not stop staring into the painting, mesmerized by the colors and strokes of paint. I felt as though I was there, in the painting, surrounded by the shining lights of Japan's streets.
Design of the Museum: One exhibit I particularly enjoyed was that of Arthur Ross' "Meant to Be Shared" collection. It consisted of European prints and detailed drawings. The set up consisted of what is seen in the photo above, an octagonal shaped wall structure that was followed by other separated walls. Each wall had a few art pieces on it, isolating the works enough to allow appropriate appreciation of each. The combination of the lighting and color of the walls highlighted the pieces of artwork for all was done in black and white, creating a contrast. I enjoyed this design of the exhibit because I felt like as I moved about, I was discovering new pieces each time I turned a corner. This exhibit made me feel as though I was part of it, finding my way through the maze of pictures and walls.
Art and Core Values: One artwork, or rather the entire exhibit that appealed to one of y core values was the one dedicated to Frida Kahlo Rivera. The entire space was covered in portraits of Frida in different poses and activities. I connected to these photos because I strongly believe in the power of individuality. To me, Frida embodies individuality and confidence like no other. She effortlessly exudes a carefree attitude and this is seen through the many photographs. I felt emotionally connected and left the exhibit feeling empowered. Seeing these pieces dramatically reinforced my belief in individuality and confidence as I saw her powerfully own who she was completely.
Art and the Good Life: An artwork in the Harn that I found conveys a Good Life theme is "A thanksgiving prayer to the Mize god Kioga in gratitude for the good harvest, Oaxaca, Mexico" by Sebastião Salgado. Salgado captures the everyday of indigenous and marginalized people in his artwork. I find the theme here to be a combination of diversity, appreciation and love. Two people are standing on top of a hill with their arms outstretched. I believe the Good Life consists of all the things depicted in the photograph. Their willingness to be vulnerable on top of the hill, without worry of what is to come, their appreciation for what is before them and the beauty of togetherness and their love of the world are all very evident in the photo. The Good Life can be defined by many things but especially the ability to acknowledge the beauty of the world.