Touring the Harn Benjamin lantinberg

Cover photo taken by Benjamin Lantinberg

MEDIUM & ARTISTS TECHNIQUE

Photos taken by Benjamin Lantinberg

When approaching this piece in the Harn, it looks like a colored blob from afar. However as you get closer and start to look at it, it has a whole different effect. More than just an irregularly shaped blob, there are so many different crevices and edges in what originally seems so smooth and soft. It's reminiscent of balled up tinfoil, yet covered in different hues of softer paint tones. It's extremely abstract and some I am sure would even debate whether or not it's even considered art. What makes it a special piece is the fact that it has such an open interpretation. To me, it was reminiscent of vandalism and the downing of the Berlin Wall. The combination of colors on a crumpled metal sheet made me think of the how wall was covered in painting and graffiti, yet it came down and all those images were destroyed and taken away. Seeing it from all angles makes the piece seem far more substantial than just in photos, and it gives the viewer a chance to see look at all the different nooks created by the crumpling pattern.

DESIGN OF THE MUSEUM

Upper Photo: Lee Lawrence, Wall Street Jounral // Lower Photos: Benjamin Lantinberg

The Asian Exhibit in the Harn Museum was my favorite part of my visit. Walking in, the room immediately feels different from the rest of the museum. The wood flooring, paneling, and decorated ceiling is reminiscent of Asian architecture, helping the art to seem more in place and fitting in this location. The pieces seem like they are meant to be part of this room as you would find them in a traditional Asian home or building. Jade ornaments fill the cabinets, throwing light bits of color in what is a wooden room, so contrast for the art is strong. Spatially, the room is very open, silent, and lit mostly by naturally light. It looks onto a calm koi pond and garden, so the room has a very calming feel. You are able to walk freely around the room and focus on the shelves and displays that mostly sit along the walls. The extremely detailed jade carving and reminiscent of an intricate and ornate stylistic period in older days. Having the work seem like it just belongs in the exhibit is what made the section so appealing.

ART & VALUES

Photo taken by Benjamin Lantinberg

This piece was one of my favorites in the museum. When you first glance at it, it might only look like dark rocks or pillars, but going class really made me think more than I had initially imagined. When I looked at it, it made me think of my family. As the oldest child, for a long time it was just me and my parents, so I had that one-on-one attention. Being very close with my parents, it has been weird to adjust to life without them. I constantly call and think about them, so this piece reminded me of being with them. Being in school requires a lot of independence and maturity, so I always look to my parents for guidance when needed. I enjoy the experience of being away as it makes me appreciate my family even more. Seeing the two "parental figures" holding up and supporting smaller "child figure" made me smile and look back at being little.

ART & GOOD LIFE

Photo Taken by Benjamin Lantinberg (Check me in the reflection ;) )

The museum is currently displaying works that revolve or celebrate Frida Kahlo, activist and feminist. These pieces all represent fighting for the good life, as Kahlo was a fighter for human rights. She is known for being a feminist icon and her portraits around the museum publicize her dedication to furthering women's rights. The solemn look on her face adds a sense of seriousness to the photo so that Kahlo comes off both firm yet strong and admirable. People have celebrated her artwork and dedication for years, so the exhibit is a reminder of all the hard work Kahlo put in and all the accomplishments she made for women. Seeing the artwork in person brings the theme to life and uses images to bring forth a sense of appreciate for the application of this theme in the real world.

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