Archives

Blog #2 — 4 Comments
10
Sep 17

Guggenheim – Loaded With Emotion but Devoid of Life

Walking to the Guggenheim museum was a wonderful experience. The sun was warm and bright on my skin. The flowers I passed, like the ones below, were in full bloom, still had the morning dew on them, with various bees buzzing around them. I felt as if mother nature herself was trying to give me a glimpse of her personal art. Walking up to the museum to find I was not the only early one, was a gift as well. When we were all together and finally got into the museum, there was no wait, and everything moved along smoothly, which is definitely unexpected considering how popular the museum apparently is. Though I appreciated the aesthetics of the spiral building, it was not what I am used to. There also was not much art, although I guess the purpose of the museum is selectivity.

The tour guide was very enthusiastic, and you can tell he felt a deep connection to the museum. Hearing about the art, from someone who clearly loves it, was a great way to really get a proper feel of the museum. I enjoyed looking at the art through his eyes, as well as the way he encouraged us to, so to speak, bring our perspectives the table. One of the last pieces we saw as a group (pictured to the left and below), I felt I really connected with. I shared a thought about how the subject of the picture was soulless in its expression but the picture itself was full of emotion.This was one of the few modern art pieces I really connected with. Another being the picture shown below. I loved the color of this piece and the way that everything seemed to pop out. I also enjoyed the way that, no matter how long I looked at it, there seemed to be an endless amount of things to discover in it.

Following a theme set by the first two pictures I enjoyed, most of the art in the museum that spoke to me was realistic in nature. I am not one to usually enjoy modern art, and while the visit to the Guggenheim made me appreciate it a bit more, I still enjoy historical and realistic art more. I am a painter myself( I included some of my pieces down below), using mediums of acrylic and oil paints interchangeably. I am a more realistic painter, and so I guess that it was an art form I enjoy more, as I can connect to it. I saw one piece where it was just two lines painted in an X shape across a canvas. and personally, I cannot see how that would be considered art, but it is in a famous museum so I guess enough people consider it art.

All in all, II felt the Guggenheim told a very intriguing story of artists struggling to get the world to accept their perspective of art. Which is a  concept I feel will never end, as there will always be new art forms, and many people to debate what makes something “more art” than another thing. And, so, in a museum of my making, I would also, as the Guggenheim did, have a varied collection, from different collectors. It would be mostly historical art and if I did include modern art, it would be of a more realistic caliber. It would be in an easily accessible place, that would be open to everyone. I would also include a lot of teen artist because I feel there are not enough places for teenagers to display their art unless they get taken under the wing of a professional.

Blog #2 — 4 Comments
09
Sep 17

Visit to The Guggenheim

The thought of visiting a Museum is daunting. Concerns of personal creativity and proper perspective begin to play in one’s mind. However, once stepping into the lobby of the Guggenheim Museum, all those concerns were subsided for views of awe and wonder. Thoughts of confusion began to turn to thoughts of how important art is to shape the time period of an entire generation.

Upon arrival to the steps of the Guggenheim, the architecture of the Museum immediately blew me away. Located on 5th Avenue, rows of similar high rises began to become stale and repetitive. Then I saw the Guggenheim. I had seen pictures on Google Maps to familiarize myself for the walk from the 6 train to the Museum, but nothing really compared to the actual structure. In a place where repetition and commonality was a default, the Guggenheim was able to set itself apart from all its surroundings.

The warm reception from the Museum staff immediately put any thoughts of confusion to rest. With the guided tours, we were able to receive vital information and background stories that gave the art work life and meaning. Throughout the visit, the Museum staff was able to dictate which art pieces we would see, how long we would spend at each piece, and most importantly give us their certain perspective on how the art should be viewed. This was not only an example of how the tour guide directed us, but it was rather an extension of the vision of the Guggenheim Museum through their employees.

The unique architecture of the building was art in and of itself. The circular scheme and ramp completely dictates the flow of visitors. The ability to use geometric shapes in the art they collected as well as the building which they saw come to life speaks to the mindsets of Solomon R. Guggenheim and Hillel Rebay themselves. Mindsets of innovation, experimental, and creative expressions of art work that would challenge the art world and its norms. The tile throughout the floor was composed of a circular pattern, which carried on through its ramps and all the way to the sunlight roof. Literally, from top to bottom, the Guggenheim was able to continue the circular theme all while challenging the confines of the art world through its simple, yet abstract artwork of non-objective, cubism, and impressionist paintings.

Through the works collected by Kandinsky, Picasso, Mondrian, and many other famous artists of their time, Guggenheim was able to complete his masterful artwork of a building, with physical showcases of art for the visitors to see. This combination of art really gave visitors an overall enriching experience. My personal over-complicated views of art were challenged by the simplicity of this Museum and made me realize that though artwork may be subjective, architects work on their craft just like an artist would.

Abishek (AJ) Johnson