Josie Wong’s Gallery

As days pass, our environment continues to be harmed by humans. Ranging from pollution, releasing specific gases, and harmful practices toward flora and fauna, humans are hurting the Earth. This relationship is and will continue to negatively affect every living organism on this planet. As we alter the atmosphere and land of the Earth, we will find ourselves losing the one thing we need to survive, a planet to live on. The series of work in this gallery focuses on the beauty, importance, and preservation of the environment. Enjoy!

 

View on the Catskill-Early Autumn

View on the Catskill-Early Autumn painted by the Hudson River School painter, Thomas Cole, depicts a location we can find in our own state. The Catskill is depicted as green and bright, with lush hills that stretch as far as the eye can see and a rising or setting horizon. The painting provides me with a sense of serenity and peace. The idea of smelling the freshness of clean air, feeling the breeze run through my hair, and having the sun’s beams warm my cheeks, is a feeling and experience that must be preserved.

There is some history behind the painting that I found interesting and relevant to the theme. While painting View on the Catskill-Early Autumn, the area shown was replaced with railroads. People were quick to alter and damage the beauty of the terrain for their own needs.

For more information, visit: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/10501

 

There Will Come Soft Rains

There Will Come Soft Rains is a series of images that illustrate birds, some critically endangered and extinct, reclaiming the world after humans have destroyed themselves from war. The series immediately attracted my attention because it suggests that without human presence, animals will be able to thrive as they once did.  Even the animals that were critically endangered and extinct will be able to walk on Earth again.

For more information, visit: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/727547?exhibitionId=%7b60b8c7c8-45f3-48cc-a740-d865ee0c0f87%7d&oid=727547&pkgids=461

 

Buddhist Priest’s Vestment (Kesa) with Phoenix

Although Buddha never lived during global climate change, his followers stress the importance of respecting nature.  A specific aspect of Buddhism, karma, is important to those who practice the religion. Karma is the belief that if one is good, they will receive something good in return. This belief involved all kinds of aspects including respecting nature. They believe that one must not be selfish and harmful to the environment. Actions toward nature will affect future generations and the individual’s next life. This belief can be observed in the vestment. The garment features a phoenix that is surrounded by clouds, vegetation, and mountains. Everything in the vestment relates to nature which reveals their appreciation of the  environment.

(Information about Buddhism was found from BBC. Use this link for more information https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z4b42hv/revision/3)

 

The Dream

In The Dream, a lush jungle and a nude woman looking and pointing at her surroundings are depicted.  To follow the environmental theme, we will focus on the nature*. The environment is different to what we and the painter, Rousseau, see (saw) daily. Rousseau stated the following about the painting: “When I am in these hothouses and see the strange plants from exotic lands, it seems to me that I am entering a dream.” The unique and lush flora create a whole new world, or rather a dream, where the viewer can escape and immerse themself in nature.

I have always loved camping, visiting beaches, or exploring areas that aren’t man-made. Cities tend to remind me of home, which isn’t necessarily bad, but when I’m traveling, I want to be away from home. Nature is the perfect provider for wanting a new setting. These different locations allow me to forget the worries I have at home, and they truly make me feel as if I’m entering a new world or dream.

*For more information, visit: https://www.moma.org/learn/moma_learning/henri-rousseau-the-dream-1910/

 

Black Iron

When I observe Black Iron, the painting makes me think about factories and industrial buildings. Because of modern technology and high demands for goods, factories are everywhere across the globe. The impact of factories is beneficial for people, but the same can not be said for nature. Factories produce millions of tons of waste annually. The waste is not usually disposed with preserving the environment in mind. Major industries tend to take the easier route to dispose waste by placing garbage in water ways and in nature. This impacts the life present in these habitats. The trash will damage the ecosystems and can become choking hazards for the organisms there. In the end, the areas around factories may become barren and devoid of life, as illustrated in the painting.

For more information, visit: https://whitney.org/exhibitions/charlesburchfield

 

Nature Self Portrait #6

Although I do not know the background of this photograph, the photo speaks many volumes to me. The woman, Laura Aguilar, is lying across rocks in a natural setting. Aguilar looks laid back and comfortable in her surroundings.  Being nude in public requires confidence and a comfortable setting. The fact that Aguilar is relaxed and safe reveals the warmth and security nature offered. She feels free to be herself and embrace her natural body as she is surrounded by all things natural.

 

Cow’s Skull: Red, White, and Blue

Cow’s Skull: Red, White, and Blue is considered one of Georgia O’Keeffe’s most famous paintings. The painting features a cow’s skull surrounded by the colors of the American flag. After several retreats to New Mexico, she began to love the beauty and serenity of nature. Due to these retreats, her work transitioned from New York buildings to New Mexican landscapes and nature. Her most famous works are of nature, not buildings. O’Keeffe’s inspiration for her art reveal how important the environment is. Without nature, she would have continued  to paint skyscrapers. Without nature, thousands of artists would have little to no inspiration. Nature plays a large role in inspiring artists everywhere, and we must protect the environment to continue to inspire more.

For more information, visit: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/488694

 

Landscapes for the Homeless, #1

The photograph taken by Anthony Hernandez features the “home” of a homeless person. The photo made me think about how even when one is lost and without a home, nature can be his or her sanctuary. Nature will never view you in a specific way or give you an eviction notice. When people have failed you, you can rely on nature to help. The “home” was created under a tree, which can provide moderately effective shelter during rain and can be used to place goods. As well, the bed of leaves acts as a bed, and the area as a whole is calm and quiet. In this place, no other human is present. There is only nature, which relaxes and inspires those it surrounds.

 

Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies

Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies by Claude Monet makes me feel calm and relaxed. Whenever I look at paintings, I imagine them as if I am in the art. For this painting, I can imagine the colorful water lilies gently flowing and floating along the crystal blue water. I can hear the trees rustling gently and the chirping of hidden insects. Imagining this scenario makes me appreciate what nature has to offer.  I have always taken nature for granted. I fail to appreciate how breathing the air of open space or the smell of morning dew makes me feel.  These scenarios can only be found in nature, so we must protect it.

For more information, visit: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/437127

 

The Forest Stream

For this painting, I would like to paint a scenario in your mind. Imagine yourself looking at the scenery as if you were in the painting. You see the clouds shift as the wind blows and the sun occasionally peeks through the gaps between them. You feel the cold water of the river flow between your ankles and hear its gentle rush. A heavy wind blows through the trees, ruffling the leaves and blowing through your hair. The air is fresh and the wind is crisp. Now imagine all of this turning into barren, dry land with harsh winds and a cloudless sky. The sun beams heavily on your skin, and the air is dense. If we do not protect our environment, this change can occur. Our lush forests can turn into dry deserts. We have to protect this planet. Ultimately, a dying planet also means a dying human race.