Blog #8

I chose Edouard Manet's last major painting, "A Bar at the Folies-Bergere". Folies-Bergere is a large nightclub with bars arranged around a theater that offered circus, musical and vaudeville acts. When I first saw this painting, I was reminded of one of my favorite movies, Moulin Rouge. In the center of the painting, there is a barmaid that is staring out at the viewer, placing the onlooker in the role of a customer. She is not smiling and appears almost depressed by her surroundings. Folies-Bergere was a place for entertainment and fun, which can seen in this painting through the reflection of the crowd from the mirror behind her. Also in the mirror is the reflection of the barmaid, which seems to show a different side of her than the view from the front. The mirror shows her leaning in towards the patron, meeting his gaze as well as the disappearance of the physical and psychological distance. The text suggests that Manet wanted to contrast the longing for happiness and intimacy, reflected mirage like in the mirror, with the disappointing reality of ordinary existence that directly confronts the viewer of the painting and I couldn't agree more. From time to time I have put up a wall in order to protect myself from harsh realities and from emotional pain and felt that it was easier to hide behind a barrier than it is to confront these insecurities. However, it is not healthy to bottle up emotions and to run away from your problems. This painting is a reminder that we must deal with negative situations and feelings, before they get the best of us.

Blog #7

I believe that art plays a very important role in society. Art can bring awareness to people and present truths about society that cannot be express any other form. Art can also bring a society together by allowing everyone to relate to it in a universal way. There are so many different forms that people can express themselves which all can be considered art. Whether it depicts a positive aspect of life such as love or honor; or a negative human condition like fear, or hatred, the meaning behind it can be just as inspirational. Art can be used to inspire and inform, but it can also be used as an advertising tool. For example, the Pop Art Movement celebrated material consumer culture, advertising, and iconography. Early in his career, And Warhol painted album covers which not only advertised the band, but his talent as well. He also painted household objects of mass production such as Campbell Soup Cans and Coca Cola Bottles. He was even quoted as saying, "When you think about it, department stores are kind of like museums". I feel that this means that anything used to express yourself can be considered art, and it is everywhere in our society.

Blog #6

I found the section pertaining to Brueghel & Rubens's "Allegory of Sight" to be very interesting. I have seen this painting before, but never understood the symbolism behind the different objects within the painting. In this piece, the figures were painted by Rubens and Brueghel created the setting. The interests and generous patronage of Princess Isabel and Archduke Albert are displayed in 5 allegorical paintings, the most famous being the "Allergory of Sight". Many of Rubens's works are shown within the portrait, such as the portrait created of the Archduke & Princess, situated on the table. Also, Rubens's "Daniel of the Lions Den", "The Lion and Tiger Hunt", and the "Drunken Silenus" are prominetely displayed within the piece. Amongst the portraits within the painting, there are also books, ruler, compasses, magnifying glass, telescope and eye glass. These seemingly ordinary objects might symbolize spiritual blindness, referring to those who look but do not see. In the upper left corner there is an armillary sphere and a huge globe at the right that might represent the extent of humanistic learning. When I first saw this piece it just looked like a room full of stuff. However, after reading about the painting and understanding the meaning of the objects within the portrait, it became a representaion of spirituality and the quest for knowledge.

Museum Visit

I visited the De Young Museum in San Francisco. I chose this museum because the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit was on display. I am very interested in fashion and styling, so to see YSL pieces from the 50's to the 2000's was really great. He had several tribute pieces including one for Vincent Van Gogh featuring a beaded jacket with Van Gogh's Irises print. Many of the YSL pieces played with different textures and and materials. He created a line of extravagant wedding dresses featuring a wool hooded coat and a silk flower bikini with a pink silk train. He wasn't afraid to push the limits and turn fashion into wearable art. The museum also framed some of the original sketches; so it was really interesting to see his ideas transpire from paper to unique and beautiful haute couture designs. Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized the fashion industry by being one of the first designers to use African American & Asian and Pacific Islander models. He also created the most infamous women's tuxedo that gave women a sense of empowerment since tuxedos were typically worn by men of power and influence. Yves Saint Laurent paid tribute to many artists, musicians & actors through his designs. He experimented with unique materials such as pheasant & vulture feathers to created a one of kind couture gown. He wasn't afraid of using bright colors, heavy fabrics and even horse hair head pieces. He pushed the limits of the fashion world and I am glad that I was able to experience his work first hand. I would definitely recommend seeing this exhibit!

Blog #5

I really enjoyed reading about the different styles of architecture, specifically architecture and sculpture in Rome. When I was in Italy a few years ago, I was able to visit the Vatican and experience Gianlorenzo Bernini's Baldacchino first hand. It was completed in 1633 and stands almost 100 feet high. This piece is unique because it combines architecture and sculpture. Visiting the Vatican can be quite crowded, so it was difficult to really understand the history and thought that went into the Baldacchino, therefore reading about the symbolism behind the work gives it new meaning. The twisted columns symbolize the union of the Old and New Testaments. The orb and cross symbolize the universe and the reign of Christ. There is a lot of symbolism behind this work that marks the site of the tomb of Saint Peter and serves as a monument to Urban VIII and his family. The Baldacchino provides a dramatic focus on the high altar of Saint Peter's and is truly a master piece.

Blog #4

I found the portion of the text discussing Leonardo da Vinci especially interesting because I have seen the Mona Lisa in person. My mother used to work for American Airlines, so I was fortunate enough to travel a lot as a child. When I saw the Mona Lisa, I didn't really understand the significance of the painting, but after learning about the feminine & masculine sides of the portrait I have come to realize how unique this work of art truly is. There are many facets of the portrait that are left unexplained, but one theory is that the Mona Lisa is actually a self portrait of Leonardo, therefore explaining the androgynous nature. Another is that the portrait was made for a bankers wife, Mona translating to mean "My Lady" and Lisa being the name of the wife. Whatever the case may be, it is clear that this unique work of art provokes thought & leaves an open ending to different interpretations. Hopefully, I will be able to visit the Louvre again to take a second look at this mysterious painting.

Blog # 3

I found if very interesting to read about the history and architecture of the Dome of Florence Cathedral. I have traveled to Florence and spent some time at the Duomo. It is truly a work of art, with all the intricate details on the exterior as well as the frescos inside. There are several marble statues tucked into arches and corners on the outside of the Cathedral. I am sure that when I visited the Duomo, they provided some back history, but I did not realize all the work that went into constructing the Dome. Seeing that I work for a Structural Engineering company, I found this revolutionary feat of engineering to be amazing as well as informative. Brunelleschi revolutionized the way structures were built with this project, by creating a double shell of masonry 138 feet across supported by 24 ribs or rafters. Brunelleschi also devised a system where tempory wooden supports were cantilevered out of the drum, allowing him to move these supports up as the building progressed, allowing each portion of the structure to reinforce the next one. Thanks to this new form of architecture/engineering, when completed, the unit required no external support to keep it standing.