My run from the train station, trying to make it in time for the tour, was all a blur, but the Guggenheim made me stop, at which time I knew I arrived at my destination without any signs or indications. The clear glass windows which faced the park showed its openness immediately as well as its uniqueness compared to the other building surrounding it. this showed a lot about the Guggenheim and the story it taught about itself. I make it seem like it’s alive because to me it is. It seems like it’s screaming to the other buildings that its one of a kind and that even though it’s “weird looking” it still is beautiful in its own way.
My tour guide mentioned how even the structure and how the building is shaped had its technicalities. Most of the people who were involved in the construction wondered how such a structure could stand through a “spacious spiral helix” as its foundation. The fact that they went through with the design shows a lot about how American society has been shaped throughout time. In the past, they weren’t risky and didn’t want to take a step forward for the sake of art. Now that the Guggenheim has been completed it shows how society has done the unimaginable for the sake of art. They created a building which is looked as art rather than just a place which stores art.
That first impression of the triangle lights, the magnificent ceiling, and the pleasant employees essentially set the scene for what I expected next. My tour guide was very informative and really showed his passion for art not by speaking about the art too much, but by allowing us to speak about it. What caught my eye the most was a plain square painting by Picasso. I wondered, “Why is this even here”?. I figured that it was there to teach a lesson of simplicity and of how society has forgotten how simple could also translate to beauty.
As I went in circles, I encountered the water fountain which in it of itself was a beauty. It looked like it was made of pure gold and I felt like I was drinking from the fountain of youth. As I continued my way around the museum, the tour guide stopped us at a painting of a woman ironing with the intricate detail of the strands of hair that hung from her face. The different material, strokes, color, frame, and even lighting played a vital role in the presentation of the art. I learned that art isn’t only the piece that you look at but the small details which combine and make the artwork. Everything plays a role when it comes to art and it’s just a matter of noticing it. The Guggenheim did a great job accommodating all that was needed to make it a great and meaningful experience.
By: Alon Bezalel
Tags: Comfortable, Detailed, Mysterious, Revolutionary, Simplistic, Spacious
Alon, I completely agree with your statement that the museum is alive. That’s exactly how I felt, while I was there. It was as if I could feel the emotions of each artist and the history behind their work.
When I saw Picasso’s painting, I also thought “why is this here?” To me, it didn’t look like much. Quite frankly, it looked like something anyone of us could do. However, I like your idea that it was there to “teach a lesson of simplicity.” That makes a lot of sense.
Overall, great post!
I love that your perspective of Guggenheim as a whole changed throughout your visit. I was also taken away by the pure beauty of the building itself. At first glance, I thought that the building would be the best part of the whole experience, as I was not a fan of abstract art. But after hearing the stories behind the main artists and the message they were trying to convey through their pieces, I realized that abstract art is more than what meets the eye. Great post!
Alon, I really found it interesting how you understood the architectiual structure as not only incredibly unique but also incredibly informative.
You suggested how this unique building design is indicative of Americas shift in perspective towards art. Art was shifting from the classical painting, portrait or structure towards modern building design.
Art is not only the painting itself, yet the framing around it. I think that the magnificent building design can certainly be seen as an exterior artistic framing of the museum itself. The exterior structure and interior structure differ than all around it. I think this frames an general theme in the museum, diversity. You mentioned the Picasso and it’s simplicity. This contrasts well with the complex and busy paintings our guide began with. This is just one example of the interior diversity within the museum.
Alon, I remember the exact moment you asked the tour guide why your work couldn’t be put up but why all these artists have multi million dollar square painting on the wall. It has me thinking even 4 days after the actual exhibit and I couldn’t agree more with what you think. When you found out it was to teach a lesson of simplicity and how society has forgotten true simple beauty. I thinking thats absolutely touching and incredibly true. Art has this way of making the most simple things, complex, and dissecting the most complex works of art into simple ideas. Mesmerizing!