Stepping out of the bus and gazing up, I saw a magnificent building with so much in store I couldn't believe the sight. As we walked through the front doors, my eyes widen at the magnitude of the building. The Philadelphia Museum of Art was quite a vision and many masterpieces were held inside. The museum flowed beautifully and was very cohesive with its set up. I went to the first floor first, where the American Art, European Art from 1850-1900, and Modern and Contemporary Art was held. I saw many stunning pieces but I wasn't truly captivated. There were however two pieces of art that caught my eye. The Four Seasons by Leon Frederic and Carnival Evening by Henri Rousseau were very magnificent.
The Four Seasons was a four oil painting series, which portrayed the seasons through young children. I loved the series for it took each season as reborn through children, which in a sense is what seasons really are. I particularly loved the winter season. I found her truly beautiful and the uses of color for a lack of color season was truly memorizing. I really got a lot of feeling, as if I was in that piece of work, experiencing that season, for the seasons through these works. Then Carnival Evening triggered different feelings for sure. I really enjoyed the darkness of this piece and how it was very eerie! Also oil on canvas, this piece was very enjoyable for the two humans, dressed in carnival best, were walking up a dark forest with the light only enhancing them. The artist had hidden faces and light poles, which we described in the description. These works of art where very nice but were nothing like the experience I had when I went to the second floor.
As I reached the second floor, my heart almost stopped beating. Walking into the European Art of 1100-1500 truly touched my soul in indescribable ways. Tears welled up in my eyes as I experienced all the religion-based pieces. Being catholic, this art truly took hold of all my fibers. Like the Panels of the holy family, seeing St. Francis of Assisi (my patron saint) really light up my eyes. The panels and all the exhibits in the time era really made me to believe I was in Europe at a cathedral. One piece that jumped out at me was The Last Drop (The Gay Cavalier) by Judith Leyster. However, when I made that left turn into the Asian art, I can't begin to describe my feelings of joy.
As I walked down the exhibits of Asian art, my legs began to quiver and when I stepped into my favorite exhibit, I actually began to cry. Being a huge Japanese cultural fanatic, seeing this display of Japanese art truly shook each one of my nerves. The Ceremonial Teahouses and the Temple of Attainment of Happiness were by far my favorite pieces of work throughout the entire day! All original Japanese architecture, my tears flowed down my cheeks. I actually had to sit down and breathe for I couldn't catch my breath.
The whole exhibit was like walking down old roads in rural Japan. The Baldeck Garden was amazing how the set up made you feel like you were in a whole different time era and country. I really was considering not ever leaving. The water fountains and teapots truly added to the feeling and the shrines of Buddha in the temple completed the feeling of Japan. I always dreamed to live like the monks do. I love the simplicity of the architecture yet it is so vast and memorizing. Also, as I walked down through the Japanese artwork, I was also extremely moved. Other pieces that caught my eye were the Portrait of Heian Court Lady by Tosa Mitsuoki, and the Noh Costume Kitsuke (inner garment for male role) from Japan. These two pieces in the exhibit were also captivating with its authentic Japanese cultural style. In all, the museum was amazing and I will be going back soon!
As Rachel, Amber, and I were running low in time, we finally reached the Moore College of Art & Design. We were not aware that the gallery closed at 5pm, so our viewing was very limited. However, what we saw was very interesting. I don’t think the gallery took hold of me like the Philadelphia Museum of Art did, but I doubt there are many that could. It was more contemporary and modern art, which aren’t my cup of tea. I am more of a traditional art appreciator and sometimes do not grasp the meaning of modern art. But from what was there, I did enjoy.
There were these giant shoes that Amber took a fancy too. They reminded me of the cows you see all over Pennsylvania which are designed in different styles. The giant shoes were interesting enough but not quite what I was interested in. Then there were these displays of different handbags and such. Rachel seemed to enjoy these more then I did. The handbags were in pairs and designed very similar with gems and jewels. This is also not my cup of tea.
In the corner of the gallery there was this interesting exhibit that I found quite fascinating. The wood display was by Laura Petrovich-Cheney. The series title was All Trees of Wood Shout for Joy. The series as a whole was very cohesive and really sent a message of earthy symbols. The sculptures mostly consisted of tree stumps and twigs and they were cut into rounds and piled up on each other. They looked like trees when completed and were mounted in very creative ways. Some were hanging and some were standing as if you were thrown into a forest of chaotic trees. I really loved the simplicity of it, yet there was so much going on that it held my attention. From reading the description of the artist, she likes using natural materials and it definitely shows in this piece.
As we walked along the gallery there was this huge exhibit of photography. I was really drawn to these pieces by Wendy Ewald. The series was a giant series of photos that she took at all different times in her life. She made the completion of her work and described each time and what inspired those photos. The title of the series was Secret Games I believe and I personally loved the photos from the Netherlands in 1996.
These photos stood out to me far more then the others. I really enjoyed how she took pictures of her students and let them describe who they were in the shot. The people of the Netherlands appear very multicultural and very interesting with its different ethnicities. I really loved the different scenes in these photos and they all had their own stories, which I loved. I also loved how the artist added some of the children’s writing into the artwork as well! It was very creative. From the gallery we attempted to make it to the bus, which was very stressful. Barely making it to the bus, I realized I truly enjoyed Philadelphia for its historical heritage and it breathtaking art.
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