Throughout my tour of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, it became apparent that the institution was a microcosm of the modern art movement of the twentieth century. It highlights the transition from classical periods of art history where artists took inspiration from the past and largely focused on idealism, to the era of modern art, where recent innovations in artistry promoted the depiction of everyday struggles among other commonplace human sensations in artwork. Having the opportunity to observe several pieces from the collections of Hilla Rebay, Vasily Kandinsky as well as Justin K. Thannhauser and others, it was clear that the museum’s objective was to capture the essence of abstract artistry in one experience.
The Solomon R. Guggenheim is found on fifth avenue, conveniently located in front of one of New York City’s most popular tourist attractions: Central Park. The museum structure itself is an intricate architectural work complimented by an entrance decorated with vibrant fields of grass. Upon entry, after going through several stages of security, I entered a spatial first floor, which was where my group was introduced to one of the guides who would lead us throughout the spiraling floors of the exhibition called “Visionaries: Creating a Modern Guggenheim.” Though we did not fully engage in each art display, our guide stopped by several works that showcased the most visible textures and technical attributes of modernism.
Walking around the museum, I came to the conclusion that the Guggenheim in itself was a work of art that embodied the main premise of modernism; abstractionism. From the coiling floors which act like individual layers of the museum, but really constitute one continuous circular floor that revolves around itself as you progress, to the occasional cubicle divisions that highlight the works of particular artists, the Guggenheim as a structural work is it’s own exhibit to be appreciated as an extension of the contents of the museum. As we observed different exhibits, particularly several landscapes in ink by Vincent Van Gogh, our guide pointed out the stylistic traits, as well as a semantic interpretation, particularly of the piece titled “Two Trees.” I was intrigued when I discovered that Gogh had created this piece of art during his time at an asylum. However, after some light research into modernism, I realized that Gogh’s piece may have been instrumental in the development of modern art. Being in an asylum may have been a driving force in his creating such ambiguous, yet emotionally saturated pieces of art, that expressed many of his mental health struggles.
I also found it interesting when our guide would explicitly criticize certain aspects of a painting, or completely discredit it as the artist’s way of “making ends meet,” since he had displayed such passion for the institution and seemed to emphasize the importance of each work. Though I found it peculiar, I realized that although not every piece may have had an identical significance, each display was influenced by the cultural, or even political circumstances of its time, and plays a role in not only making different periods of art tangible, but also telling a different side of history that may not be visible from merely reading a textbook.
Ronald Osherov
Tags: Analytical, Controversial, Encouraging, Structurally Abstract, Thematic, Thought provoking
Your language in describing your experience at the Guggenheim is exceptional, and definitely adds richness to the visit, even in hindsight. There’s really not much more to say on your description, it really speaks for itself. With regards to the words you use to describe your own museum, it definitely sounds like it would be an interesting place, especially since you say it would be controversial and analytical.
Ronald, first of all, your writing is absolutely gorgeous- I’m so jealous, I wish I had the eloquence you write with. Second, I really loved your blog post. I also found it really interesting that our tour guide would so openly criticize the artist’s intentions or make such a stark remark about a certain piece. And I truly think that’s what made this experience so memorable- the fact that we were welcomed to openly discuss art. We were open to view and interpret art in whatever way we pleased and that is the true beauty of art. Reading your description of the Guggenheim made me feel like I was there again and I’m so glad you took the time to capture the magnificence of such an amazing structure. It is, an art form in itself. (:
Ronald, I enjoyed reading your blog. I liked the part when you stated the Guggenheim Museum is highlighting the transitional periods from classical art history and brought it to a more modern art era by using idealism. I agreed with the fact that you stated about the museum itself being art due to the spherical theme and the spiral ramps that went throughout the Guggenheim. I was on the same tour as you, and Phillip did have so much passion for the art and institution that it was almost as if he was bringing art to life. He was giving us background information on the artists and his own perspective of the art, which I personally appreciated. Overall, your analysis was thorough and it seemed like you enjoyed your visit. Great blog!
I forgot to mention about the words you chose, but I thought it was an interesting choice of words. Your museum can be “structurally-abstract” through geometric shapes that was present in the Guggenheim Museum, which could impact your visitors and their analysis of the art being displayed.
Ronald, I absolutely adore the most accurate and on-point details that you try to dissect in the museum. From “coiling” floors to “cubicle” divisions, the way you present some aspects of the museum truly bring out the bigger picture that I think the whole class is trying to foresee, which is, art is everywhere. These details that you actually analyze, I would not be able to admire them as much. Instead I focused on more bigger details such as the paintings themselves and the structure of the building as opposed to the things inside. However, now looking back, things like the water fountains and headlights still grab my attention. I feel as if this museum really opened up our minds to the “little things in life,” as people say. Great analysis of the museum!