Night at the Museum

What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

It shows abundance. You can see alcohol in the corner. It probably shows the wealth of the person/s. You can also assume that they are in an area that grows the fruit, or colonized an area that had the fruit. It is a story on the American Dream.

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

There is contrast with the colorful fruit to the dark backdrop that emphasizes the wealth in the “dark times” that were occurring. Additionally, the cost difference in drinks versus fruit should not go unnoticed. They were contrasting to show the luxury.

How does this object compare to other objects, stories, or ideas you already know about?

It works with what we know about colonization.

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

The museum chose to display it to show the colonization roots and the clear difference between the haves and have nots.

What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

3 women strolling leisurely by a pond. Very mellow and calming painting

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

The frame is a unique frame compared to the nearby paintings which makes it special. The colors are yellow toned and reminds me of the smoke from Canada wild fires

How does this object compare to other objects, stories, or ideas you already know about?

It reminds me of Little Women because that movie also has 3 sisters as well. it reminds me of sisterhood and identity

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

they displayed it with a purple wall because they wanted to contrast the yellow from the painting to the purple wall to contrast it.

What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

The story depicted encapsulates a journey of self-growth and striving for agency in the natural world. There is a harmony created between the figure and the elements, such as the flowers and the figs.

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

The body in the center of the painting represents a Black person, therefore they are shaded in a darker color. In contrast, they are surrounded by nature, including brightly painted flowers and vibrant vegetation. This environment brings peace to the person.

How does this object compare to other objects, stories, or ideas you already know about?

This reminds me of the Garden of Eden, in which Adam and Eve are at peace and surrounded by nature.

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

The picture frame is incredibly simple to emphasize the focal point, that being the painting. The background (the wall) is also painted blue which adheres to the idea of nature.

What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

China town scenery, a police officer (Chinatown block watcher), people look concerned like they don’t want to get in some kind of trouble, phrases like “stop Chinatown jail”, “are prisons obsolete?”

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

Painting is textured, rough looking layers of paint and looks almost 3D, exaggerated face features, large square painting

How does this object compare to other objects, stories, or ideas you already know about?

Represents a community issue in society

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

I believe they made the choice of the texture of the painting and the history/background to it.

What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

The art shows a sunken ship and fishing boat, contaminating a sea full of life

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

Very cartoony, helps to bring light to a serious subject (climate change)

How does this object compare to other objects, stories, or ideas you already know about?

It’s a very not so spoken about issue (at least our group feels that) in recent times, even though it should be brought up more. The art helps bring light to that

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

The museum made a statement about climate change by displaying a piece like this

What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

(we're resubmitting this because the connection was bad and we don't know if this sent through) In this work, there are 5 people depicted but 4 of them are drawn over with white paint which seems to represent the erasure of certain people. However, the only person that isn't covered is a young black boy. This makes us assume that this piece challenges common beliefs and marginalizations which creates commentary on representation and identity.

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

Immediately, we were drawn to this painting because of the white paint covering the figures of the painting. It looks like it was vandalized but then we realized that these paint splotches had a purpose.

How does this object compare to other objects, stories, or ideas you already know about?

This object compares to other objects and stories since it seems to contrast with common marginalization and "whitewashing" that has erased the identities of black individuals for centuries.

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

This painting was put in an exhibit with a mix of different genres, media, and styles. It was also put on a blank and plain colored wall which is likely to highlight the contrast between the striking piece and the meaning behind it.

What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

We see a group of people, possibly a tribe, sitting outside on the grass. This could be a possible story of a family tribe relaxing after hunting. There could also be a potential ceremony happening, commencing or celebrating an event amongst the people.

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

We notice contrasts in light. As you view the painting from what is in the foreground to what is in the background, the colors become paler. The mountains in the back compared to the trees at the front represent this contrast in light.

How does this object compare to other objects, stories, or ideas you already know about?

This painting represents both a sort of realism, something that we could see happening in the real world. It also depicts a sort of fantasy as the nature itself is very beautiful, which is illustrated in much post impressionist art.

What choices do you think the museum made about the object’s display?

We think that the museum choice to gather art that evokes strong emotion, whether it is a sense of serenity or drama. The work throughout the exhibit each has its own story, but are put together to demonstrate how they can all be connected.

What do you see going on in this work of art? Is there a story depicted?

I see the different steps of a farming process being portrayed in this image. Given that the time period was a common time to own slaves, this is a story of a day on the plantation.

What different visual elements (ie: line, color, light, proportions, scale, composition, media type etc.) do you notice, and how do they help you make sense of the artwork?

The gold frame makes the painting itself seem more valuable or important. The wide view of the property allows the viewer to analyze different aspects of the landscape, making viewers want to gaze at the painting longer than they normally would. I also liked the fact that it showed different steps of the farming process on the property, giving the viewer a visual historical context.