Art Gallery Visit One

Which artworks made an impression on me? Why?

“Bedroom Painting #40”; Tom Wesselmann; 1978; oil on canvas.

I was so taken back by this painting when I first looked at it. The colors in the work are absolutely gorgeous and so vibrant. When thinking of a bedroom, one may think of it as being dark and shaded; peaceful enough to sleep. But the bedroom in this painting is very light and alive. The colors draw you in, each one right after the other. The woman looks as if she is staring at something or someone, making her seem very happy. The flowers at the bottom of the painting also make the room seem very alive. It looks also as if there is something more going on. The essence of the woman looking at someone intrigues me. I wonder what else can be going on in this picture..

“Pinwheel”; John Ahearn; 1998; plaster

This is an amazing sculpture. The proportions of each hand and arm compared to others, the way they’re formed and the realness of each make the sculpture. It looks as if each hand is asking for something, or waiting to be given something. They’re in the shape of a circle and, to me, can represent people around the works all asking for one thing. This may be happiness, it may be peace, it may be life, it can be so many things. This is a beautiful work of art, one in which I’d take much joy in learning the meaning behind.

 “Convergence”; Jason Pollack; 1952; oil on canvas

Confusion is an art in itself and confusion is the first feeling I felt when looking at this artwork. I did not know where to start when viewing this work but once you find a place to look, the rest flows. Your eyes are easily moving through the picture because if the various strokes and shapes. I find it very interesting how all the colors move through out the picture and how each can be recognized. The title of the work fits it perfectly. Although confusing, all elements in this piece come together as one, creating a sense of unity.

Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?

"Eta d’oro” (The Golden Age)’ Medardo Rosso; 1886; wax on plaster

This work gave me chills when I first looked at it. You needed to take a few minutes to clearly recognize what it was but the face of the baby is so real it’s shocking. Although it’s only faces, you can feel the love between the mother and the child. This work appealed to me because it reminded me of my little brother that passed away and my mother. Looking it makes me think of how badly he’s wanted back in this world and much much my mother and the rest of my family loved him. I can envision that this is how my mother and him would have been; close, loving, caring, unlike any other mother in this world.

“Wedding Souvenir”; Claes Oldenburg; 1966; plaster of Paris

I got hungry when I looked at this artwork. I have an enormous sweet tooth and this was one of the works I wanted to take home with me! It looks so realistic and I wonder, because the work is titled “Wedding Souvenir”, if it is an actual cake but sculpted. Could it be the artist’s actual cake? All in all, it looks delicious!

“Man Varnishing Doll’s Bed for Little Girl”; Norman Rockwell; 1920; oil on canvas

This artwork made me do “aww” when looking at it. Whether this be the little girls dad, uncle, grandfather, it seems as if he took the time out of the job he was doing and varnished the girl’s bed for her. He looks pleased to do it, especially for the little girl who is kindly looking over his shoulder. This reminds me of my dad and I. He would always take the time out of his work to either help me with something or fix something for me. 

Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why? 

“Baby Girl” Marisol; 1963; wood & mixed media

This work confuses me a little bit. It represents a baby girl, yet it is so large. The shape is also awkward and box like. I would love to know the intention and meaning behind this work. Why did the artist make it non life-like? Yet when looking at the eyes, it seems like you can see deep into them. What does the doll on the baby’s leg represent?

“Kill Yourself”; Nancy Dwyer; 1989; vinyl paint on canvas

This work is very straightforward. The only question I ask is why? What is this work referring to? What was the artist’s mind set when painting it? Kill yourself is a very graphic and strong phrase, so why is the coloring and font of the phrase bright and bubbly? The word “kill” is white with snow on it evoking a sense of coldness. The message behind this work is extremely confusing and I’d love to know any and all intentions when creating it.

"Zurbale”; Joan-Josep Tharrats; 1962; oil on canvas

This work is very interesting to me. Initially looking at it, I thought it was a fetus just by it’s shape. The background represents a feeling of peacefulness. However, the fetal looking shape is filled with distortion and dark colors. I can’t really pick out a clear picture within it but I can see a baby’s face starting to form. What is this really a shape of? And if it does represent a fetus, why is the inside dark and distorted? What is the specific message being construed here?