Author: Dylan Senkiw

Open Letter Final

Dylan Senkiw

Dear MoMA,

 

The Museum of Modern art is a fantastic cultural outlet. It brings up and coming art forms to the forefront and displays some of the best work. Although all of this art is being displayed for the public, one concern of mine is that it cannot be appreciated. The efforts to enhance our culture can be overlooked.

 

The MoMA does a good job at displaying lots of art; however, the modern and often abstract art displayed cannot be understood. Personally, I cannot understand, for example, a simple black rectangle. I don’t know why it has to be displayed in a selective museum that carefully curates each exhibit. I know that this is due to my naivety. An artist would not be praised for the mere simplicity of a rectangle. Any person can make the same outcome. Although I strive to understand, no matter how long I stare at the same piece of artwork I can only see so much. I will perhaps never fully understand certain artwork. Although artwork is to be interpreted, I cannot interpret a solid shape; that is all I see. I know this is not the artist’s fault, but at the same time I want to appreciate their works.

 

A resolution that I propose is a simple explanation, or discussion. Often times art pieces will have a short blurb, but this can be limited to the artist’s name, date and artwork name. Particularly abstract pieces need a more detailed breakdown. This explanation could consist of the artist’s mindset or reasoning when creating the piece. This is very easy to implement with the technology of the modern age. If museums do not want to have physical plaque, they can publish the information on a website or app. Essentially, this would be costless since most museums already have a website. With this knowledge, I would be able to appreciate the artwork and value. I would be admiring it for its meaning, not for the fact that it is displayed in a prestigious museum. This would open the museum to the common people, those who do not study art. The populous would be able to respect the artist and his or her work, rather than ignore, or even mock it.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dylan Senkiw

Teju Cole – Dylan Senkiw

Dylan Senkiw

 

Pre Opera:                                                             Post Opera:

            

 

My initial interpretation of the Opera was that it was a very formal event. The grandiose theater, suit jackets and flowing gowns created strict social expectations, in my mind. Expectations of formality and “sophisticated thinking” that suited an older generation.  Everyone should be very respectful and conservative. I imagined it less as a social event, but more of a solitary viewing. I thought that everyone would want to keep to themselves and just appreciate the performance.

I also had a preconceived notion of the performance itself. I was expecting the opera to be almost completely singing, and although the words would certainly tell a story, I did not anticipate the amount of acting and story telling that occurred. Personally, I think the story of the opera is a good way to draw in an audience who may not be solely concentrated on the vocal skills. Still, the opera is still target at a very specific audience.

Upon experiencing the opera, many of my previous thoughts remained to be true. Many of the viewers were indeed older and white. As a group of 20 teenagers, I definitely felt out of place. Additionally, it was definitely a strict environment. At the start of the performance, a man aggressively shushed us. Although it is our responsibility to be quiet, the man could’ve been much more polite as the play was only just about to begin. This confirmed my belief that those who go to the opera are

Although some of my previous thoughts were confirmed, some aspects of the opera were unexpected. I was personally surprised by the laughter of the audience. This broke the strict setting, and silent watching.

Overall, many of my previous thoughts were confirmed. The opera attracts a very specific audience. I would’ve appreciated it more if I knew the effort that went into the production. For example, I appreciate orchestras more because I play the violin and I know the effort that goes into the ensemble.

My picture after watching the opera represents Singh’s photography because the empty stage shows “a potential space for people not yet in the picture” (Teju Cole). I tried not to capture anything that would suggest a bias, or illicit a certain feeling. My picture was meant to show something clear and avoid a previous prejudice.

Open Letter Final

Dylan Senkiw

Dear MoMA,

 

The Museum of Modern art is a fantastic cultural outlet. It brings up and coming art forms to the forefront and displays some of the best work. Although all of this art is being displayed for the public, one concern of mine is that it cannot be appreciated. The efforts to enhance our culture can be overlooked.

 

The MoMA does a good job at displaying lots of art; however, the modern and often abstract art displayed cannot be understood. Personally, I cannot understand, for example, a simple black rectangle. I don’t know why it has to be displayed in a selective museum that carefully curates each exhibit. I know that this is due to my naivety. An artist would not be praised for the mere simplicity of a rectangle. Any person can make the same outcome. Although I strive to understand, no matter how long I stare at the same piece of artwork I can only see so much. I will perhaps never fully understand certain artwork. Although artwork is to be interpreted, I cannot interpret a solid shape; that is all I see. I know this is not the artist’s fault, but at the same time I want to appreciate their works.

 

A resolution that I propose is a simple explanation, or discussion. Often times art pieces will have a short blurb, but this can be limited to the artist’s name, date and artwork name. Particularly abstract pieces need a more detailed breakdown. This explanation could consist of the artist’s mindset or reasoning when creating the piece. This is very easy to implement with the technology of the modern age. If museums do not want to have physical plaque, they can publish the information on a website or app. Essentially, this would be costless since most museums already have a website. With this knowledge, I would be able to appreciate the artwork and value. I would be admiring it for its meaning, not for the fact that it is displayed in a prestigious museum. This would open the museum to the common people, those who do not study art. The populous would be able to respect the artist and his or her work, rather than ignore, or even mock it.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dylan Senkiw

Coco Fusco Blog Post

Dylan Senkiw

 

Within the first moments of looking at this art, I noticed the mix of abstract shapes and colors all having an emphasis on the center. This is contrasted by straight lines, which cut through the art. The paintings are all very abstract, and they have multiple layers. It resembles looking at a layer of the earth, with different types of rock present at different levels. Each painting uses a unique color palette; however, they seem to flow together. All 5 pieces have a somewhat extraterrestrial feeling, where they straight lines remind me of constellations.

 

Upon further observance, I focused on each individual piece. Starting with the first piece on the top left, I noticed that the colors were mostly red, and dark in the center. This gave me a feeling of danger or uncertainty for what could lie in the middle. I also noticed how the straight lines connect to white blotches. As a metaphor, this can be seen as connected to places of safety, opportunity or a general goodness. The darkness of the center can resemble the struggle to get from one place to the other.

 

The next image, the top right, shows a much more confusing image, in my opinion. There is no clear pattern, and the straight lines that were so definitive in the first image are now crisscrossed and they do not lead anywhere. This could resemble a confusion or a sense of being lost. The artist, Francisco Donoso, says that he faced difficulty associating himself with one culture, as an immigrant from Ecuador. These undefined lines may represent how he felt all over the place and with nowhere to go, upon immigration.

 

On the bottom left, there is an image with more structure. The lines seem to be more of a support system rather than a path. Despite this, there is a blue ring in the center of the image that is untouched by the lines. This may resemble two different identities which don’t seem to mesh together. The blue ring also seems to be encompassing a lighter section. Maybe the ring represents a barrier, or restriction, which prevents the outside from entering.

 

The image in the center on the bottom shows a multitude of layers. Although the front layer is most prevalent, the others are still very distinct. The picture could represent Donoso’s experience as an immigrant. He may find it difficult to identify fully as Ecuadorian but at the same time not fully identify as American. He may feel like he is a part of both, and although that should be respected, people may outcast him or judge him based upon the quality they see first. This is troublesome because if he receives rejection from the groups he identifies with, he could feel lost. This may resemble the white space in the top of the center of the painting.

 

The final image, on the bottom right, shows straight lines similar to those of the first painting. After looking at it for more time, I noticed how there are only three blotches of the seven which are not black. Furthermore, there is only one that is predominantly white. I’m not exactly sure what this may mean, but I noticed how the white one is in the center and it connects all of the other blotches. Perhaps this is the ideal place where everyone is trying to get, or maybe it is where everyone is coming from.

Open Letter to the MoMA

Dylan Senkiw

Dear MoMA,

 

The Museum of Modern art is a fantastic cultural outlet. It brings up and coming art forms to the forefront and displays some of the best work. Although all of this art is being displayed for the public, one concern of mine is that it cannot be appreciated. The efforts to enhance our culture can be overlooked.

The MoMA does a good job at displaying lots of art; however, the modern and often abstract art displayed cannot be understood. Personally, I cannot understand, for example, a simple black rectangle. I don’t know why it has to be displayed in a selective museum that carefully curates each exhibit. I know that this is due to my naivety. An artist would not be praised for the mere simplicity of a rectangle. Any person can make the same outcome. Although I strive to understand, no matter how long I stare at the same piece of artwork I can only see so much. I will perhaps never fully understand certain artwork. Although artwork is to be interpreted, I cannot interpret a solid shape, that is all I see. I know this is not the artist’s fault, but at the same time I want to appreciate their works.

A resolution that I propose is a simple explanation, or discussion. Often times art pieces will have a short blurb, but this can be limited to the artist’s name, date and artwork name. Particularly abstract pieces need a more detailed breakdown. This explanation could consist of the artist’s mindset or reasoning when creating the piece. With this knowledge, I would be able to appreciate the artwork and value. I would be admiring it for its meaning, not for the fact that it is displayed in a prestigious museum. This would open the museum to the common people, those who do not study art. The populous would be able to respect the artist and his or her work, rather than ignore, or even mock it.

Sincerely,

 

Dylan Senkiw

Ode To The Sea – Dylan Senkiw

Dylan Senkiw

When I ask myself what I want in life, I am always drawn to the allure of new opportunities, sights and experiences. There is nothing more exciting that exploring a new city or finding a hidden gem. This drive to seek out unique experiences and obtain new knowledge can be describes by a voyage of a ship.

First, the ship readies itself at dock. The crew loads the supplies; possibly cargo for delivery, maybe necessary resources and miscellaneous gear, as there are always unexpected events in a journey. In life, I am always prepared to get up and go. I am prepared for what is next, and I am ready to take on the challenge.

Next, the ship departs in anticipation of the opportunities that lie ahead, whatever they may be.  Often, I will embark on new paths in life, unsure of the outcome, but I see a possibly better future. I am eager to try something new and learn something from it. Although this often leads me to spur of the moment experiences, it can also result in rash decision making. Even with the later, I am able to take away life lessons. If I lead myself to a mistake, or a misstep, I am bound to realize how I caused the wrong move, or what I could’ve done more effectively. These lessons shape who I am.

While on the journey, ships can encounter unexpected barriers. To overcome these barriers in life, I must be strong willed and determined. If I am weak, I can sink; however, I make sure that I keep myself up by any means necessary. I work towards my goal, and I don’t stop until I achieve it. There are bound to be restrictions and setbacks, I must accept that, but I can’t let it hold me back from what I want. Surpassing each boundary, no matter how big, or small, or inconsequential, will not only prove to myself that I am fit for this journey of life, but it will enhance my decision making and logical reasoning.

Finally, the ship will arrive, the destination will be revealed and the effort of the voyage will be surpassed by a sense of achievement and excitement. At this point, I enjoy the benefits of hard work and perseverance that has allowed me to get to my destination. I am able to learn new things and grow from my new destination. Once I arrive, there are a plethora of opportunities waiting for me. I will be sought after, respected and accredited, as not many people can make it to where I am.

A voyage is not always physical. In my life, this represents abstract journeys to find an answer, or learn something about myself. It also represents learning in new environments and having new exposures. Throughout the entirety of life, I can expect to be spur of the moment, I can expect to chase dreams and I can be ready for new experiences, knowledge and opportunities. I am sure that my life will be a constant voyage with many different destinations.