Artistic Expression

The Met was wonderful, with something for everyone to see.
The Museum of Modern Art had wonderful moments. I thought the gift shop was awesome, though I couldn't come to any decisions on what to buy, there was just too much.

I've always seen art as a reflection of history. It shows me something about the time period in which it was created. Whether it's designed to emulate a certain style, or meant to counter certain artistic principles, art tells a story.
The thing is, I'm just not as interested in the more recent stories. I know that expression is important, and a lot happened in the latter end of the 20th century, but I still just don't get certain forms of art. I can't see how leaving a canvas completely white holds any artistic value against some of the masterpieces out there.
You can justify its importance all you want, I just like to look at something that displays some kind of skill. If I can do it myself, I don't need to look at it in a museum.

The MoMa has certain installations that fall under the category of Art with a capital A. I honestly did see a blank canvas screwed to the wall. I also saw a video of people pulling hair out of their mouths and draping it all over a guy. I did not enjoy said video.

What MoMA did have that I enjoyed: Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Picasso, Rousseau, Monet, and Manet. I even like Pollock, and Roy Lichtenstein's "Drowning Girl" is really cool too. "Campbell's Soup Cans" and "Gold Marilyn Monroe" by Andy Warhol were crowded, but I pushed my way in front to get a good view.

They have a really amazing prints section displaying work by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec that appealed to my theatrical side and he did numerous play posters in a style reminiscent of art nouveau.

I liked the MoMA, and I think if there was an exhibit on an artist I love I would visit it again. Having said that though, I would certainly visit the Met again, no matter what their special exhibitions are.

And My Eyes Were Happy

Yesterday we visited the Metropolitan Museum.

We began our day by getting lost in Central Park like Macaulay Culkin. If we were to point the blame at someone for this, it would be at James. I tried to tell him we were lost and going horizontally across the park instead of vertically up it, but he did not believe me. I won in the end when we ended up at the beginning where we started, however this was not a sweet victory as we were now late getting to the museum. I've forgiven him though, especially since I've now told the world about his directional shortcomings. 

Tip: buy a map of Central Park for 2 dollars. It has helpful pictures, and I believe proceeds go to charity.

One thing about NY in August, everything is under construction. I looked at my map and tried to play tour guide, "on our left, you shall see Cleopatra's Needle" but it was covered in scaffolding, just like St. Paul's Cathedral. But we were not discouraged!

We met with James high school friend who now lives in DC, she had already been to the Met so she left the decision making up to me. Upon looking at the map (I like maps, okay?) I realized we had quite the journey ahead of us. It became clear that we weren't going to see everything in the time that we had. 

Tip for first timers: if you're interested in seeing the paintings, as I am, go to the second floor and do that first. We didn't get to see everything in the 19th and 20th century gallery.

We started in the Egyptian section, which is incredible. They have a whole temple! Egypt gifted it to the United States, which was very generous of them. This is definitely a must see, especially for those people who loved learning about mummies and Pharaohs back in school. 

We spent a good amount of time in the Arms and Armour section, which James certainly enjoyed. This is where one may expect to see full suits of armour and every kind of weapon ever used.

The next section is where I wish we hadn't spent a lot of time. We should have gone straight from Arms and Armour to the Medieval or Greek and Roman art, but instead we meandered through the first floor American wing. This would be cool for some people I'm sure, including the replica of a Frank Lloyd Wright room, but it wasn't the thing I was most interested in. I can't speak to the second floor American Wing (which apparently has Washington Crossing the the Delaware) because there was no time to see it. 

The Greek and Roman statues were really exciting, especially the head of Constantine, a historical figure I teach my grade 8 Socials class about. Hopefully this picture of me posing ridiculously beside it helps them remember facts I put on their tests.

The European Paintings gallery was my favourite. It was amazing seeing Giotto, Raphael, Rembrant and Vermeer, among so many others. I was transported back to my Art History University Class, except instead of it being on a projector it was real, and in front of me. Not even covered in glass or anything.

The 19th and Early 20th Century art was exciting too, displaying heavy hitters like Picasso, Matisse, Monet, Seurat and Van Gogh.

If I were to go back, which I've decided I will, I shall have a better understanding of what is where and what I would like to see.

All in all the Met has been a highlight for me. 

-Kim