integration.

These past few weeks have included in class discussions of science and art. The two have been interconnected for centuries and continue to grow together in this modern age.

Depicted below is a literal example of this concept in action. These figures, studies in the Natural History Museum of Florence, are depictions of the internal human body. The bodies were all posed differently making them into works of art that combine the aesthetic and scientific realms. 

This may have been the extent of scientific innovation in the 17th century, however modern technology has bloomed significantly. The turn of the 21st century opened up a whole new realm of artistic capabilities through scientific discovery and technological innovations that have provided endless mediums to create with. Some argue that technology is ruining the craft of art but I would have to strongly disagree. Science and technology are only expanding the artistic mind in new ways. After all, hasn't art almost always been known for innovation and pushing the boundaries throughout history?

when in rome.

(The Pantheon)

Traveling to the magnificent Italian capital this past weekend was nothing short of an overwhelming experience. For the past few months I have been studying the history of Renaissance as well as Ancient Greek and Roman art, all building up for the moment to experience them first-hand. I realized that no matter how hard someone tries to explain the ingenuity, magnificence, or jaw-dropping essence of these works they will never even begin to come close. 

(Laocoön - The Vatican)

(The Colosseum)

(Michelangelo's Pieta - St. Peter's Basilica)

(Caravaggio's Calling of Saint Matthew and Inspiration of Saint Matthew - Contarelli Chapel)

(Trevi Fountain)

I felt as though I was a part of history as I wandered from each masterpiece to the next. To me, this is one of the main purposes of art; to encapsulate the viewer and make them feel as though they are a part of the work and the time period that it represents. Without art, the history of the world as we know it would be significantly different and thin. Art leaves a visual mark on a society that can be viewed and interpreted for thousands of generations to come. 

medium.

This weekend was a unique, inspiring, and eye-opening trip to Venice. Having the chance to experience the Biennale was one that I will always remember. Though there were a lot of modern exhibits that I could not understand or begin to appreciate, it was an illuminating insight into the realm of current art trends, which is important for every artist to keep in touch with.

I found a few of the works/exhibits in the museum absolutely incredible, some being completely innovative, others just beautiful in their simplicity. I chose to show some of my favorites below in order to discuss the diverse mediums through which they were created, a topic of discussion for the past few weeks in our art class. 

The work above was one of a series of sculptures carved entirely out of books. I was immediately drawn to these figures because of the creative medium utilized as well as the incredible accuracy of the sculpting. It is hard to believe that one could take a stack of books and turn it into an expressive sculpture of a human head.

This next piece was probably my favorite of the day. The artist hand sewed the figure of a woman into a piece of sheer fabric, leaving elongated strands that extended throughout the room. I was immediately drawn to this piece and viewed it as an innovative and uncommon form of drawing. 

This life-size bronze statue was incredibly crafted and displayed. Being the only work in a dark room, the piece was illuminated beautifully. I was drawn to the simplistic yet stunning curves of the piece.

Yet another sculpture, or sculptures I should say, that were absolutely breath-taking were apart of a large series of realistic faces of emotions atop of intricately ragged models of the human body. Each figure in the room was completely unique and clearly evoked different emotions, something that would have been extremely difficult to achieve through most other mediums.

Finally, this work, along with about six other paintings, immediately caught my attention simply because of their normality. After a long day of attempting to interpret abstract installations and paintings these were a breath of fresh air. The artist elegantly depicted a series of women with incredible color schemes and stylistic paint strokes. I immediately fell in love with this series, I will always have a slight pull towards painting no matter how creative artists can get with new mediums. 

The most compelling aspect of the Biennale was ironically exactly what we have been discussing in class lately, the use of mediums. I found that the inventive use of mediums, new or old, perfectly diversified this show. I personally was drawn to multiple forms, painting, sculpture, multi-media, collage, photography, and many more. This show merely intensified the non-existence of a truly superior medium.

surroundings.

This week I decided to really look at the art that is displayed in my apartment. Oddly enough, it has taken me a month and a half to do so even though I have done nothing but observe all kinds of art ever since we landed here in Italy. 

The works displayed throughout our apartment are incredibly diverse and of several artistic styles. I pictured a few of them below and yes there are many more. Although none of these works seem to connect or "flow" together in a room , I have grown fond of each and every one of them. There is something beautiful to be found in each work uniquely. 

This raised a question, does art need to be displayed with works of a similar time period, style, or theme? How does this change or effect our perception of the art? I at first viewed these pieces as completely random and even tacky because of the lack of cohesiveness but I began to see them in a different light. Because these works are so drastically different, it allows the viewer to look at them as individuals instead of absorbing the entire exhibit at once. 

relative beauty.

Time here in Florence is going by unbelievably fast. We are now over 1/3 of the way through the trip and my to-do list grows everyday. I finally feel as though I am really living in this country, I no longer look dazed and confused as I walk into the local cafe or market (a large feat considering where we started). The struggle now is to remember to not get too comfortable, but then again how could you ever get used to views like these?

Now to touch on school for a minute...this weeks class discussion raised the standard question; what is art? For anyone that has ever attempted to answer this ambiguous question, you recognize the complexity it raises. Who defines art? What makes a work pleasing? Does "art" have to be beautiful?

One crucial part of history that I have rarely found myself being able to connect to is the cubist movement. The works below, both of the analytic cubism category, are highly significant to the world of art. I understand the concept behind the works and admire the drastic change in style for the time in which they were created but I cannot connect to the pieces. I find them confusing and not necessarily "beautiful." I know this might potentially cause uproar or disgust in the art world but it is my personal opinion and preference.

The Portuguese Georges Braque

The Guitar Player Pablo Picasso

So does art have to be "beautiful"? Beautiful is a relative term so I guess my answer would have to be no. I wouldn't necessarily consider a fair amount of works to be beautiful however I would still call them art. Art then to me would be defined as personal visual expressions that cannot be defined by any specific rules. Picasso and Braque should be admired for their revolutionary step in artistic expression, even if individuals like myself struggle to find the connection to their artwork. 

the eye of the beholder.

Each and every day I walk by dozens of streets, all unique and worth a little admiration. After finding myself stopping on numerous occasions to take a picture of a street that caught my eye, I am disappointed with how unimpressive the picture is on the screen after. 

(Side street by my apartment)

I have come to the realization that a lot of what makes this city beautiful simply cannot be captured in a photograph, it is to be experienced in the moment.

(Passage through Vernazza)

Looking through all of my photographs trying to decide what to write about this week, I discovered a lot of random street pictures. I guess my fascination is rooted in wanting to get to know the real culture of the country, somehow these side streets provide a window for that. We need to appreciate the city as a whole and find the beauty in more than just the overcrowded famous buildings, monuments, and artwork. 

(Oltrano)

Art is not always the traditional painting, drawing, or sculpture. The artistic layout of a street or the architectural elements lining it are an aesthetic experience on their own.

(San Gimignano)

context.

As I venture into my third week here in Florence, I find that I have gotten so comfortable in my new surroundings that I already need to remind myself of where I am. I am living in a historically rich, artistic, and profound city. Buildings and artwork that I pass by on a daily basis have made monumental impacts on the artistic world that we currently know. As a result, I have made a pact with myself to pause at least once a day and recognize the beauty in something.

Today this came into play as I walked through Piazza della Signoria. Normally used as a mere path of transportation, I have tended to get in and out of this tourist packed square as fast as I could, occasionally rolling my eyes at the oblivious tourists. Today I decided to stop and bear the crowds to actually observe the magnificent sculptures, which are well deserving of the crowds they attract.

Since the origin of this blog is school based, I should incorporate some of what I have been learning here in Florence into my thoughts. This week's class discussion was on the basis of context and the way in which the display of art can effect the audience's perception of society. In Piazza della Signoria there are many famous sculptures and replicas out on display. In general, the main figures in these works are idealized men who are portrayed as powerful and fearless. The replica of Michelangelo's David was created as a heroic symbol of protection and strength as well as Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus, a more prominent visual of power. These statues, along with Perseus Holding the Head of Medusa, Menelaus Supporting the Body of Patroclus, Hercules Beating the Centaur Nessus, and Rape of the Sabine Woman, all have one thing in common: a depiction of the dominant man. These iconic and "ideal" images, whether shown through physical domination, violence, or warrior imagery, all contribute to one perception of our society: that in which a man must strive to be heroic and powerful.

Michelangelo's David (replica)

Bandinelli's Hercules and Cacus

Cellini's Perseus Holding the Head of Medusa

Menelaus Supporting the Body of Patroclus

Boulogne and Francavilla's Hercules Beating the Centaur Nessus

Giambologna's Rape of the Sabine Woman 

So what is the point? Most people just simply admire the technique and realistic rendering of the human figure in these sculptures. My favorite part of the class I am taking here in Florence is that we analyze the aspects surrounding a work of art that I wouldn't have given a second thought before. When viewing these particular sculptures together I realized that there is a strong socially constructed view of masculinity suggested. Man is not portrayed as intellectual or spiritual, solely warrior-like. This process has made me think; how often then is the context of a work of art actually affecting the message it is conveying? What other subliminal messages have been conveyed to me through the medium or art exhibition?