Night at the Museum

The painting I chose was “Sarah Cowell LeMoyne” , by Jane E. Bartlett, made in 1877. I really liked how bold the subject of the paint was. In most portraits of that style people were expected to be serious and classy. Especially women who were expected to stay out of the spotlight. This painting is the exact opposite. The woman is very expressive and takes up most of the canvas. She is leaning forward, arm propped up on her knee , as if she is staring directly at the audience. Her expression almost says “what are you gonna do about it?” as if she expects, but doesn’t fear, a challenge. I aspire to be that bold and outspoken.

The picture Voyage by Chester Higgins captures the image of a Back man lying in the hall of a wooden pinnace, which floats on the Niger River. I found this piece to invoke strong feelings of restlessness as the individual was in an environment I would normally find to be very peaceful but seemed trapped within the confines of the pinnace, much like how I find myself stuck within my worries in anxieties despite having places myself in a low stress environment

I saw my community in this painting, Chinatown Block Watch by Susan Chen. The story behind the painting is the xenophobia during COVID-19 towards Asian descendants, and the creation of a community patrol to protect its residents. The painting reminds me of the times in which I’ll always see my people being attacked in news just for our looks and what others connect to it. It was a time when my family and I were scared to go on the streets, trying to avoid those attacks on us. I think it is very important how we are able to acknowledge those times and feelings to present it to others, and how the Asian community can see themselves in this museum.

Decontractee by Louise Bourgeois is eye-catching by virtue of its subject matter. Though the whole presentation is rather clean and presented with a level of polish, the two disembodied hands just sitting there cannot help but appear as somewhat graphic. Yet, not being paired with anything but the pedestal it sits on, it is difficult to determine what specifically it is referencing. In other words, it is a piece that lingers.

For me it was a strong, meaningful way to interpret Maria. It involved, a strong emotion of belonging, and it helped me feel part of the museum and my world.
Title:
The Virgin
By: Joseph Stella

The piece that invoked a sense of wonder in me was “Ori” made by Harmonia Rosales. I was intrigued by the vivid flowers surrounding the person, and I wanted to know the purpose of it. The piece made more sense after I read the description, which talked about internal harmony and being at peace with oneself. I think this is a very important message to internalize as we go through life. It also reminded me of when people stay in their own bubble so to speak. However, this does not hold them back, but elevates them because it’s important to be comfortable with your sense of self.

The piece that invoked a sense of wonder in me was “Ori” made by Harmonia Rosales. I was intrigued by the vivid flowers surrounding the person, and I wanted to know the purpose of it. The piece made more sense after I read the description, which talked about internal harmony and being at peace with oneself. I think this is a very important message to internalize as we go through life. It also reminded me of when people stay in their own bubble so to speak. However, this does not hold them back, but elevates them because it’s important to be comfortable with your sense of self.