Brian Villani

The Many Forms of Nature

Under the Mannen Bridge at Fukagawa

Katsushika Hokusai, ca. 1830-1832

I have selected this piece because it represents nature as seen by Hokusai in Japan in the 19th century. Nature is seen differently by all people. Nature is also different in places throughout the world. This landscape depicts traditional Japanese architecture, as well as nature shown in traditional art form. Japanese art tends to depict nature as calm and loving.

 

Landscape with Seated Couple

Hendrick Goltzius, ca. 1595

I chose this piece from Goltzius, a Netherlandish artist, because of his unique landscape. He depicts nature with less “life” than Hokusai. However, this work provides a look into the peace that took place at this time in Netherlandish history. The 16th century in the Netherlands was a time of revolution against Spain. This work shows a time after war and hardship.

 

Seasons and Elements (Spring)

Charles Le Brun

This piece is an embroidery by Le Brun in a set that depicts the elements and seasons. However, two elements and two seasons are missing. This representation of Spring shows blooming flowers and elegant patterns. This French artwork gives the beholder a view into what Spring is like in France, and how Le Brun feels about the seasons.

 

Now!

Adam Fuss, ca. 1988

You may ask: What is this? This is a different depiction of nature: energy to be exact. To make this piece, Fuss placed photographic paper into water, exposed it to sunlight, and splashed it with a bucket of water. He claims that the ripples and impact spot of the water represent the energy that created the universe, or the energy that splits atoms.

 

Autumn Landscape

Agnes F. Northrop, ca. 1902-1932

This work is entirely made from stained glass. It depicts the autumn foliage of what some believe is New York. This piece stands out from the others because it shows the colors of the season. Though Le Brun’s tapestry depicts the Spring, Northrop chose to show nature in its purest form in the autumn. This is opposed to Le Brun’s symbolism and grandeur when representing the seasons.

 

Mountain Retreat

Bob Ross, ca. 1984

This piece by Bob Ross depicts a mountainside home from his own imagination. Most landscapes are made to reflect the image of a real place. However, this work shows how Ross envisioned nature based on his own experiences.

 

Spring Blossoms, Montclair, New Jersey

George Inness, ca. 1891

This painting by Inness was inspired by French artists. The landscape captures the blooming of the blossoms in New Jersey, which is an event that happens about once a year. This moment in time will never happen again the way Inness captured it. This scene is calm and still, like it was as Inness painted.

 

The Starry Night

Vincent Van Gogh, ca. 1889

The Starry Night is a classic. I’m sure you are surprised to see it here. I chose this illustrious painting because of how Van Gogh represents nature. From his room at the asylum, Van Gogh paints nature in a different light than what has been seen before in this gallery. The swirls shown in the sky imply heavy winds. He represents the movement of nature, as opposed to representing nature as static and still.

 

Gibbons in a Landscape

Sesson Shūkei, ca. 1570

This Japanese set of panel screens depicts gibbons, animals associated with the spirits in Daoist culture. The artist chose to use nature to picture these spiritual animals. Since these animals are native to the mountains of China, the Japanese only know the gibbons through poetry and art.

 

Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies

Claude Monet, ca. 1899

This piece from Monet is part of a series of 12 works. Each painting is a different point of view of the bridge on his property in France. This particular piece’s vertical canvas differs from the other paintings in the series as to give prominence to the lilies in the pond. This view of nature on his property struck Monet such that he decided to paint from any desirable point of view.