Author: Sharlen Flores

 

 

The photo my group took during our workshop at the Alice Austen House made me think about how different life is today compared to when Alice Austen lived. Even though my groups photo and Alice’s photos were taken in the same place, they have very different meanings because of the different time periods. Our photo shows a group of people smiling and laughing while Alice’s photo shows a woman (Katie, who was one of the Austen’s live in maids) by herself sitting on the stairs of her porch with two dogs (punch the pug and Chico the chihuahua). To me our photo represents community, friendship, and also the freedom to be ourselves while Alice’s photo focuses on her dogs and her maid Katie.

Alice Austen house was more than just her home, it was a place where she felt safe to express who she really was. Often taking photos of herself and her friends in drag which included wearing clothes like top hats, fake mustaches, and pant suits, even though women were expected to wear dresses and follow strict gender roles. She also shared her life with the woman she loved at a time when being openly gay was not accepted. Because of that, I think her home became a safe space where she could be herself without fear of being judged by society.

As a visitor, I see the Alice Austen House as a museum that teaches people about history of NYC but also the LGBTQ+ community. For Alice it was a place where she created memories and built a community with the people she cared about most. Looking at our photo and comparing it to hers made me realize how much has changed. Today, many people have the freedom to wear what they want, love whoever they want, and express themselves more openly. While there is still much progress to be made in our societys today, our photo reflects a world with more freedom than the one Alice Austen lived in. Being at her house helped me appreciate not only her photography but also the courage it took for her to live as authentically as she could during her time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

During my first visit to the MET I came across multiple pieces of artwork that stood out to me especially these two stained glass windows made from Tiffany Studios, designed by Agnes Northrop. As a little girl I had always admired stained glass windows. However these two pieces are some of the best stained glass windows I have ever seen. The details in these pieces is extradorinary and truly highlights the beauty of nature. I couldn’t help but notice how the glass almost blends together to create a vibrant image. Ive always believed that there are many different forms of art and that art doesn’t necessarily need to be a painting or a sculpture but can be expressed in many different forms. These stained glass windows re-enforced my idea of art.  As much as I loved the stained glass windows I also couldn’t help but notice the pillars and and lamps around the stained windows which I believed complimented the stained artworks beautifully. While looking at the Autumn Landscape Stained artwork it reminded me of when I would walk through Kissena park in Queens, NYC,  during the fall and the trees would begin to change colors.

 

Another piece of artwork that left an impact on me was this casket in the shape of a guitar.

A musician spends much of their life with their instrument, and music often becomes a defining part of who a person is. The idea of a musician being laid to rest in the very thing that shaped and defined their life felt deeply beautiful to me. I also play the guitar and at times playing my guitar was the only thing that brought me comfort in life. The thought of that same instrument continuing to provide me comfort even in death was truly impactful. Music is present in NYC in many different ways. For example, waiting for the train station and someone playing the drums or singing or walking down the streets and someone is throwing a barbeque blasting their favorite music.