I am an Art History and Art double major at Brooklyn College. I have loved art ever since I can remember, taking my first art classes in elementary school and continuing on in middle school every day. In high school I made sure I took painting or ceramics each year even though it was not required.
When I registered for the art history core class at Brooklyn College, I was not expecting to continue with more art history classes. However, I enjoyed it so much that I kept registering for more art history courses, and before I knew it I was majoring in the subject. I love how art history combines concrete facts with endless interpretations that leave so much room for independent thought. It is fascinating how we can study cultures and societies from the artwork that they produce.
Growing up in New York City, I was always fascinated by the architecture in the city. However, I never actually studied the history of architecture until college. Unlike other forms of art, like painting and sculpture, architecture is something that we interact with every day. I became drawn to the history of architecture and knew that I had to write my thesis on some form of architecture in New York City.
Having the chance to travel around the world has also heightened my interest for the history of architecture. In January of 2009 I studied abroad in Florence and took an Italian Renaissance course. What struck me the most were the carefully planned layouts of the private buildings and the enormous grandeur of the public buildings. In July of 2011 I studied French in Paris, and I was overwhelmed by the architecture there as well. Wandering through Charles Garnier’s Opera House, I could easily imagine the important role that the structure had for initiating social interactions. Architecture has an enormous power over people by controlling the mood of a space and the paths that people take.
Specifically in my thesis paper, I explore the interaction that architecture and planned public spaces have with their visitors. How do spaces reflect and bring about meaning to their respective cultures? Why do people visit memorial sites and how do these memorials help them cope with their emotions? Memorials are brought to life by the people who visit them, so they must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and allow for various interpretations.
I hope you enjoy browsing through the different pages! Below are pictures of me presenting this year at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Ogden, Utah.
