Night at the Museum

As a Catholic, I thought it was a very power powerful 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

An art piece that really stood out to me was Niagara, by Louis Remy Mignot, which shows the strong waves clashing down below the waterfall. This reminded me of the times I would go on trips to go hiking with my family and friends outside of New York, seeing small waterfalls, reminding me how peaceful it is in such a beautiful environment, hearing water continuously pouring down from the cliff, enjoying the small breaks while watching the view, having nothing to worry about. I have never been to Niagara Falls before, I will go one day to see and hear the waves clashing.

The painting that I chose is called Brooklyn
Abstraction:4 Artists4 Walls from JOSÉ
PARLÁ, MAYA HAYUK, KENNEDY YANKO and LEON POLK SMITH.
When I look at this painting, I feel freedom and liberation, because the background of the painting looks like an endless grassland with a romantic and warm sunset, and with lines like party ribbons. It’s like the end of a movie with a happy ending.

This piece is a power figure and it evoke emotions, not only because of how it looked like but because it is a piece that I have learned in AP art history. When I saw the power figure, I was very excited and I enjoyed explaining it to my group. It felt nice to use the knowledge that I learned in high school and use it outside of school. It was also very amazing to see a power figure in person. Most of what I learned in art history was seen digitally. I never expected to see the power figure and transformation mask in real life.

Nkisi Nkondi (Power Figure), 19th century (with 20th-century restoration)
Possibly Kongo Central Province (former Bas-Congo), Democratic Republic of the Congo Wood, iron, glass, resin, kaolin, pigment, plant fiber, cloth
Brooklyn Museum; Museum Expedition 1922, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 22.1421
Minkisi (the plural of nkisi), or power figures, were created by both a master sculptor and a nganga (ritual specialist). The nganga invokes spiritual forces into the figure through medicinal additives packed into boxes sealed with mirrors, which create a reflective surface linking the earthly and spiritual worlds. The punctured nails represent the actions of minkisi against wrongdoers and their efforts to maintain social order.

Reinforced because it really shows how art transforms through the eras. From minority groups being celebrated to controversial arts being shown, many pieces help illustrate what that time was like. Definitely recommend Macaulay students to come because of the intricate pieces on show which can steal your breath and put you in a constant state of art.

As soon as I saw this painting, I felt an
immediate connection, as it evoked the snowy winters of my childhood. One of
my favorite memories is of my siblings and me playing in the snow, having fun in those cold days. This artwork brought me back to those delightful winter days. Unfortunately, due to global warming, there isn’t much snow as there used to be, and this image reminded me of those pleasant cold winters and how enjoyable it used to be. Childe Hassam’s “Late Afternoon, New York, Winter” not only sparked nostalgia but also a surprising warmth. It was one of the only painting that caused such a feeling in me.

This piece was very moving as it highlighted Shirley Chisholms courage and determination. She fought for her place in politics when people tried to force her out. Bisa Butler’s quilt captures her strength and impact in making a step towards equality. She uses colorful fabric which probably signifies her journey in finding her spot at the table. Shirley Chisholm broke barriers by becoming the first Black woman in Congress and a presidential candidate, she was an inspiration and encouraged many others to claim their own seat at the table.