The National Gallery

1)      Logo

The simple serif typeface suggests that this museum is simplistic and lacking dimension. Indeed this is not the case. The National Gallery is ornate and filled with sophisticated pieces from the most famous painters throughout history and also those not so well known. I think the logo is over simplified for the contents of the museum and the building’s architecture. The paintings in all the collections are beautiful and intricate and the building itself is grand with large doorways and impressive domes. Personally I feel this is not reflected in the logo. 

I do agree with those who propose having the “National” part being grander than “Gallery” but I can see the logic behind Gallery being the larger of the two words. Perhaps “Gallery” was enhanced in size to fit with the word “National” right above it. Generally, the logo works for the gallery despite its simplicity. Indeed the logo should be more intricate to fit with the collections but I do not think I could design anything better. Maybe that minimalism in logo was done deliberately? I also agree that being such a vibrant city the colors used in the banners should reflect that of the city. The single dull red color does not exemplify the gallery nor Trafalgar Square where this museum is located.

2)      Van Gough

 I very much agree that Van Gough’s paintings live up to their position in art history. His line quality wasn’t the greatest in “Van Gough’s chair” (1888) but I think it’s supposed to be like that and this is where we begin to see the cubism influence. In his other works such as “Sunflowers” the gestural brushwork is remarkable and his abstract use of lines to create a masterpiece with dimension is truly astonishing. Also, the subject matter in these two pieces is very different yet the similar. They depict different scenes, i.e. a chair with tobacco and a pipe versus, sunflowers on a table. However, both these paintings are of one object and focus with texture and dimension. As far as mood goes, the yellow in the sunflowers painting is said to represent harmony and happiness. Although the chair painting also has some yellow, it doesn’t illustrate this sense happiness. To me the chair is more or less is a realistic representation of Van Gough’s life; that is the chair in which he paints while smoking. To be honest I do not know why Van Gough has become so popular. Did cutting off his ear and dying shortly after transport him to superstardom? I cannot say for sure but I agree that his paintings are moving and influential.    

        

3)      Object of desire

Claude Monet’s 1899 Water-lily pond is a desirable piece for my country cottage. Monet is my favorite artist therefore this piece was an easy choice. I particularly like the abstract aspect when standing very close but as you move farther away the image then comes into view. He uses beautiful shades of green similar to that of the countryside and the gentle brushstrokes that compose the water lilies rival the beauty of that in nature. This would be suitable for my country cottage because epitomizes the country lifestyle of green grass and flowers.

This piece particularly stood out for me while admiring Monet’s work because of its central bridge. The bridge’s literal interpretation is crossing a pond but it reminded me of my own life. My personal interpretation is crossing a “pond” to a new chapter, which for me means crossing the ocean to a new chapter of studying in London.           

4)      Gallery/ Display

Personally, I enjoy the bright color palette. The contrast from gallery to gallery enables one to recognize the movement to another gallery with a different collection. I think the patterned wallpaper and ornate gold frames enhance the objects appreciation. To me this indicates the painting is special and exclusive. This way of presenting art work infers that I am in someone’s home looking at their personal collection. I think this aspect keeps the experience of art more exciting and interesting. My personal taste in art (classic and traditional) also reflects the style in which I like to see galleries, i.e. with a bright color palette and not dull neutral tones.

5)      Exploitation/Merchandising

Exploitation and merchandising of famous art work seems to be very prevalent here in London. From postcards, to handbags, to umbrellas I think merchandising does not diminish the original art work. If anything the presentation of art on everyday objects spreads appreciation and makes people more culturally aware of art. I believe that art should be noticeable in everyday life because not everyone has access to such galleries, specifically in the states since some cannot afford to attend art museums. Although this is not the case in London I still consider exploitation of art to be beneficial to this eclectic city.

6)      Object of Appreciation  

        

I liked many of the pieces at the National Gallery and will certainly go back. The 1833 Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche was intriguing and caught my interest. The appeal of this piece probably stems from my interest in monarchy, especially the history of King Henry the VIII. The description stated Lady Jane Grey was beheaded on Tower Hill. In the painting Delaroche is depicting her execution inside, however Tower Hill is actually outdoors near the Tower of London. Therefore this is not quite accurate. I also was intrigued but the multiple facets of the people in the painting; Lady Jane Grey’s calm composure, the sadness of the women in the background, the priest’s concern, and the executioner’s eagerness (shown by his hand on the ax). Before I go back from more contemplation I would like to read more on the history of King Henry VIII and his wives, particularly why Lady Jane Grey was beheaded after Henry VIII’s death.   

Tate Modern

1)   1)   Logo

 

The blurred variations of the Tate Modern logo reinforce the brand Tate has coined. Even though some versions are more pixilated or sharper than others one can still read and identify the Tate brand. I think the slight variations certainly connect with the range of art that is presented in the Tate Modern. Essentially, the Tate Modern contains contemporary art of different variations which then connects back to the logo because of its one typeface just adjusted in various ways. Overall, I do not think that the variation in the logo is needed because the average museum visitor would not look into the difference let alone notice the variation. Personally, I do not like the logo. I find the pixilation to be eerie and should be used for a haunted house or the London Dungeon tour.

2)      2) Free Admission

The fact that museum in the U.S charge admission I wouldn’t necessarily think that all museums are for the rich.  Many museums allow school groups in at a reduced rate and in some cases for free. On the other hand, many adults would not seek out museums in the US because of the expense associated with them. In that aspect, yes I do see museums as for only the privileged. I personally do not go to museums in the US because I have to pay whereas in London I enjoy the free entertainment and do seek out museums. The fact that museums are free in London I think greatly impacts the culture. Throughout the last few museum visits I have noticed many school groups and young children studying works of art and historical pieces; which I think is an excellent way to broaden horizons and open children’s minds to a range of possibilities. I feel that all Londoners (not just the wealthy) have an advantage to become educated on a wide variety of topics such as, history, art, world cultures (example: V&A), science, and also variety within those topics.

3)     3)  The Unilever Series

I believe that the installation of Ai Weiwei’s porcelain objects attempts to answer questions of individuality but doesn’t necessarily fully answer them. I agree that this piece is a powerful depiction of how we as humans are similar to the sunflower seeds; we are very much alike when looking at a whole but also unique/different as a microscopic and individual level. Personally, I don’t think I can answer what it means to be an individual in today’s society. That would be like asking, what is the meaning of life? We are individuals with ideas and ambitions on one level but to make a significant difference we have to act together as a whole to impact the world. One cannot change the world, they may try but success comes with a common goal. I think this is represented in the installation; one porcelain sunflower seed wouldn’t have impacted visitors as much as the billions of seeds did.  

4)      4) Display

In the realm of contemporary and modern art I think the lack of color and neutrality allow for uninterrupted and undistracted contemplation. I like the idea that the art on the wall is the only thing is your visual field, but in reality I find the white walls to be very boring. I prefer a break in color and more elaborate transitions between art displays. Even just different neutral tones between galleries would add excitement.  Generally, I think the white walls suit the Tate Modern because of the modern and contemporary collections that require this sort of uninterrupted and undistracted contemplation.

5)      5) Power Station to Art Museum

The exterior of the Tate Modern along the River Thames is a bit of an eye sore to London’s cityscape. I think the industrial and non elegant building was a poor choice to house exquisite modern and contemporary art pieces. To me this is ironic because I don’t understand modern art or its convention and subsequently do not understand the choice of an unusual building. Although I was impressed by the grand entrance but I thought it was rather dark, dull, and cold. Upon moving past the entrance I found the museum easy to navigate and really enjoyed the 7^th floor café. The views of the river and city were amazing. I was surprised that the building looks so big from the outside but the inside felt much smaller. Despite my lack of understanding this building is a great setting for the display of art, I would have preferred a more modern building.  

6)      6) Object of Appreciation

My favorite piece was an oil painting of Water lilies from 1916 by Claude Monte. This piece is something that I would certainly put in my own home someday. The range of colors and technique of blending those colors is magnificent. This particular piece by Monte is not a sharp as some of his other landscapes. I really like the abstractness this generates. When you stand far away the water lilies are only slightly noticeable and the mixture of colors becomes clearer. I would return to this work of art for more contemplation on technique of the painter and why he chose to make this piece more abstract. I also would go back for simple admiration of Monte’s work.

Tate Britain

1)      Logo

The Tate Britain museum is a very unique combination of modern and traditional pieces. The typeface of the logo is very modern which relates very nicely to the building interior design of white walls and clean lines. Although, from the outside architecture the logo seems conflicting because the building has a historic feel rather than the new and modern feel of the logo. The collections in the museum are mostly that of paintings with some 3D sculptures which I think is brought out in the logo with its defined lines and a no nonsense energy.

2)      Ophelia

In the production of Hamlet directed by Nicholas Hytner, the death scene of Ophelia was dark and full of scandal and lies. King Claudius delivers the news that Ophelia has drowned herself in the river while in mourning over the death of her father. But, the truth is that Claudius had her “taken care of” because she was crazy and mentally unstable.

In the painted depiction of Ophelia’s death by John Everett Millais, Ophelia has quite literally drowned herself in the river. This portrayal is serene and peaceful in a forest area painted with ornate flowers clinging to her dress. To me this representation exudes that this was her decision and she was not “taken care of”.

3)      Display

The sparse arranged modern style of art is exactly that, sparsely arranged. All works of art are evenly spaced, at eye level, white wall backgrounds, and with clean lines all on a center baseline. This method of display allows for studying of the color and geometry details in the pieces. The minimalist atmosphere of the modern galleries has a cold feel but it allows one to really focus on the art without any other distractions.

Modern style of display

In the contrast with the modern style, the salon style hanging of art has much more warm and inviting feeling. The paintings arranged in groups and multiple rows which allows one to absorb and study multiple paintings at once. I think that this element of engaging in more than one painting adds to the mood of all works in that gallery. The very unique atmosphere of dark wallpaper and elaborate/ornate gold frames, I feel as if these exquisite works of art are on display in someone’s home. Personally, I enjoyed the Pre-Raphaelite style of the hanging because of its warm and inviting impression.

4)      Installation art

“The Coral Reef” exhibit was one of the most interesting experiences I have had in a museum. Upon walking in I was very confused. As the title implies I was looking for an underwater sea full of life but to my surprise it was just small rooms with furniture arrangements. I even asked one of the museum workers if I was in the right exhibit. The exhibit itself was very hard to navigate but I think that was the point. It was like a maze to get lost in, and I noticed some rooms were repeated to confuse one even more. For example the first room was repeated opposite the entrance (see picture below). As a result one thinks you’re at the exit but there was no exit. During my walk through I felt as if I was in a haunted house and someone was going to jump out from behind one of the doors. I was very apprehensive to open many of the doors. This element of mystery made the gallery exciting yet nerve-racking. Overall, “The Coral Reef” is not the correct name for this exhibit; I think Mike Nelson’s description of “Lost in a world of lost peoples” is much more fitting. Also, personally I would not call this art but I have never studied art therefore I’m not qualified to say whether or not someone’s creative work is art or not.

First room that was repeated (confusing as to where the exit was)

One of the rooms in "The Coral Reefs"

5)      Tate vs. V&A

The Tate Britain and the Victoria and Albert museums present two different experiences. The Tate Britain had beautiful domes, clean lines, both tiny and large rooms, and a variety of the collections. The V&A boasted much more elaborate architecture, ornate décor and carvings, and exudes a feeling of history, which I admired. I personally enjoyed the V&A museum experience much more. I liked the work that was in the collections more and the V&A building was more pleasant. I got the feeling I was standing amongst historically important pieces. Although, I do think navigation was easier in the Tate because of how much smaller it is. Since the V&A is larger there is a huge variety of galleries and collections from history that interest me unlike the Tate Britain which is smaller and I personally did not like the like the modern art.

6)      Object of Appreciation

My favorite object in the Tate Britain collection was from the Romantics gallery. It’s called “England: Richmond Hill on the Prince Regent’s Birthday” by JMW Turner and was exhibited in 1819. The painting is of Richmond Hill, England looking westward over the River Thames with a small party ongoing at the top of the hill (see picture below). The origins of this painting stem from Turner’s association with Richmond Hill and Prince Regent. Turner had his own property, Sandycombe Lodge, nearby by Richmond Hill in Twickenham. Painter Joshua Reynolds and poets Alexander Pope and James Thompson also lived in that area which is where Turner got his inspiration for the painting. In addition, Turner had the same birthday as Prince Regent which was another inspiration for the painting. I would return to this piece not necessarily for further contemplation but for admiration. The intricate detail, dimension, and how he employed light in this painting are magnificent.