Night at the Museum

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

We see a silhouette of Abraham Lincoln with prices of items all over. The prices might be representing how instead of the prices representing the menu they represent humans showing how humans were considered commodities in southern states under slavery

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’s a large scale head filled with a lot of prices in rows. These details showed the impact this figure had on a variety of things and aspects of American History.

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

This object is a physical piece compared to other pieces that are typically photos or 2d paintings of 3d scenery. The physical feature brings out certain aspects of the artwork similar to how shining light on objects in 2d paintings will bring the audience’s attention to that part of the work.

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

They had to choose where to put this piece. The lighting, there is one lightbulb pointing directly at it. It could bring out certain aspects. There is the colors red white and blue in the numbers that represent American culture. The colors are that of the American flag.

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

This artwork depicts a sunset occurring at sea. The story behind it is that that painter painting it at sunset after an Atkantic voyage.

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 sun is reflecting on the ocean, there are bright colors of orange and yellow, and we can see the detail and texture of the sea. It is also an oil painting that was done on canvas.

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

Its very observant of nature. A lot of the other artwork depicted in the museum reflect, but this artwork depicts the beauty of nature, whether it's through the sunset or the waves.

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

The blue hue0 of the wall matches the undertones of the painting

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

We see in the art a naked woman chained which is likely a symbolism of her enslavement. It’s also interesting how it was made of marble and so detailed during that time when slavery was still actively occurring. We believe it may have a been an enlightenment piece about it based on the time period and style depicting Greek.

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

It shows George Washington serving as commander and chief and in this painting he wears civilian clothing, showing how he is an equal to the common man.

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 light comes in on the side of his and his face, displaying a brighter future. The main center point of light is from the sun in a window. He is gazing into the distance, not at us.

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

This painting paints Washington in a more realistic light. Many of his paintings are very grandeur, but in this he is dressed in common clothes and not as powerful. He is an equal.

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

They put the painting in a room by itself. It’s also massive, which allows us to get a full view of the painting. The lighting displays the gold frame well.

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

The description mentions xenophobic attacks and racism Asians experienced during the years when Covid 19 was at its peak

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 artist uses texture “thick impasto style”, and sharp lines to emphasize vibrant contrast, depicting tensions within the Manhattan neighborhood. There is a warm color scheme, with shades of yellow, red, orange, brown, and occasional views of green, blue etc. The variety in color palettes highlight the diversity of the neighborhood. One thing that stands out is the “stop Chinatown jail” which could be referring to the confinement of Asians because they were marginalized and attacked outside of their communities. Even though Covid already confines them within their homes, yet they feel confined to a small group of people who in society are viewed as the cause of global devastation

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

Stereotypes within communities that might seem harmless are detrimental to whole communities. Despite the already diverse background of the city, people fall victim to racial micro aggressions and outright racism due to circumstances out of their control.

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

He's sitting. He's a pharaoh/king so he has lots of power. He's very expressive.

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?

It's a sculpture. It made of black stone like material with minimal embellishments beaides the main form. It's all clean lines. It 's displayed in a way where light hits it softly – reflects not a lot.

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

He is a King, coming from the 12th dynasty which I have to say we're not super well-versed in Egyptian history. He's very stoic though!

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

As said before, the spwcific light fixture and how it's opened up and not behind glass for better look at details

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

We see a sunset with a very obvious split of light and dark, sort of like a field. The warm colors from the “Sun” seem to be merging and dripping down into the fields. Giving the sense and made us think about how all of nature is reliant on the Sun and its energy/warmth.

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 are tons of visible splatter lines, as well as a very obvious tone shift from warm and bright colors on the top of the piece to dark brown on the bottom. They helped us make sense by quite honestly painting the picture (although very abstract) clearly, sort of as if it were jumping out to us!

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

We both decided that we have a love for taking pictures of sunrises and sunsets as they always make us feel grounded in the moment and appreciate the beauty of the world shifting around us every day. Seeing it on such a grand scale painting in a museum just made our niche love for these natural beauty moments all the more special.

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

All work of this artist is a mix of sunrises and sunsets therefore it makes sense for them to be next to each other. Although to us it was very obvious was the art was trying to communicate it makes sense to put it in the “abstract” exhibit/portion of the museum. We think they made an excellent choice 🙂

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

The story depicted in this art work is the courage African Americans should have to share their voices. If you are at a disadvantage bring your own chair to the conversation.

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 bright green around the women draws you to the quilt. Shirley Chisholm is depicted, she comes across as welcoming and peaceful. Her skirt has folded chairs on it, the chair you have the ablity to add to any table.

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

We see a surreal sunset that elicits a feeling of calm and a deep appreciation for nature.

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 oil paint creates a blurred effect and vivid colors that create a mysticism. The worker represents industrialization clashing with nature.

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

Unlike other visions of New Jersey, this painting conveys a naturalistic side that would be unexpected from the historically industrial atmosphere with multiple buildings.

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

The museum placed this painting among a series of other scenes of nature. Additionally, the darker tones in the walls made the brighter colors in the painting stand out.