Photographs of my visit to NBMAA

 Here is a photo display of wonderful pieces of art I had the opportunity to see on my multiple visits to the New Britain Museum of American Arts (NBMAA). These were all beautiful and unique pieces I really liked and I'd like to share them with you all.

Blue and Beyond Blue

ARTIST: Dale Chihuly (American, b. 1941)

DATE: 2000

MEDIUM: Blown Glass, Steel

DIMENSIONS: 107 x 82 x 77 in.

CLASSIFICATIONS: Sculpture

Pheasant

ARTIST:: Anna Valdez (b. 1985)

DATE: 2023

MEDIUM:: Oil and acrylic on canvas

Blue Presence

ARTIST: Richard Pousette-Dart (1916-1992)

DATE: 1970

MEDIUM: Oil on board

Birth of Venus 

ARTIST: Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987) 

DATE: 1984 

MEDIUM: Print 

DIMENSIONS: 32 x 44 in. (81.3 x 111.8 cm) 

CLASSIFICATIONS: Print

 "Final Chambers" series

ARTIST: Richard Ryan Hornby (b. 1965)

DATE: 1998

MEDIUM: Hand-blown glass

Crescent Beach Boat 

ARTIST: Steven Weinberg (b. 1954) 

DATE: 2001 

MEDIUM: Glass 

DIMENSIONS: 27 x 14 x 4 in. 

CLASSIFICATIONS: Sculpture

Everything that Rises (Self-Portrait)

ARTIST: Julie Heffernan (B. 1956)

DATE: 2003

MEDIUM: Oil painting

Off the Greenland Coast under the Midnight Sun

ARTIST: William Bradford (American, 1823 - 1892)

DATE: 1873

MEDIUM: Oil on panel

DIMENSIONS: 13 × 21 in. (33 × 53.3 cm)

CLASSIFICATIONS: Oil Painting

Day's End, New York Harbor

ARTIST: Edward Moran (1829 - 1901)

DATE: 1888

MEDIUM: Oil on canvas

DIMENSIONS: 9 × 20 in. (22.9 × 50.8 cm)

CLASSIFICATIONS: Oil Painting

Height

ARTIST: John Heberte (b.1856)

DATE: 1908

MEDIUM: Oil on Board

A German Poem

ARTIST: Claude Raguet Hirst (1855-1942)

DATE: n.d.

MEDIUM: oil on canvas

books and Ink bottle.

ARTIST: John Frederick Peto (1854-1907)

DATE: 1809

MEDIUM: Oil on canvas

Mexican Landscape (after Doris Rosenthal)

ARTIST: Justin Favela (b. 1986)

DATE: 2024

MEDIUM: Tissue paper and glue on board

Mountain Laurel 

ARTIST: Willard Metcalf (American, 1858 - 1925) 

DATE: 1905 

MEDIUM: Oil on canvas 

DIMENSIONS: 29 x 26 in. 

CLASSIFICATIONS: Oil Painting

Wynkoop House, Old Haariem

ARTIST: Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937)

DATE: 1888

MEDIUM: Oul on canvas

Fourth Museum Visit

During my visit to the Toledo Museum of Art I walked through the galleries once again, admiring the work on display. Just as on my last visit, I was once again in awe of the museum's elegant architecture. I was excited to see what new pieces I would see or new elements I would pick up on within the artworks I’d previously seen. 

The Toledo Museum of Art, located in Toledo, Ohio, holds a rich history dating back to its founding in 1901 by prominent local industrialists Edward Drummond Libbey and Florence Scott Libbey. Designed by renowned architect Edward B. Green, the museum's main building was completed in 1912, showcasing a Beaux-Arts architectural style characterized by grandeur and classical elements. Over the years, the museum has expanded its collection and facilities, with notable additions.

As I wandered through the galleries, I was pleased by the diversity of artworks on display, spanning various periods, styles, and mediums and each piece seeming to tell a unique story. Among this collection was Mary Callery's sculpture, "The Curve," which stood out to me with its graceful form. 

Mary Callery's sculpture, "The Curve," is a captivating work of art made in 1947. Created from bronze, the sculpture features an abstract form that evokes a sense of fluidity and movement. Placed in the center of the room, the sculpture commands your attention.

Mary Callery was an American artist born in 1903 in New York. While she is associated with Abstract expressionism, she created sculpture which expanded the movement beyond painting. She was known for her modern approach to sculpture, blending elements of abstraction with organic forms. Callery's work often explored themes of nature, movement, and the human figure, which eloquently displayed her use of form and space. 

“The Curve” exemplifies Callery’s distinctive style of thin linear, open, and interweaving forms. Her use of wavy shapes and slender figures make it appear as if it is ready to come to life. 

Getting to see "The Curve" was a moving experience for me. As I stood in front of the sculpture, I was struck by its elegant simplicity and the sense of peace it evoked. The fluid forms, lines, and curves seemed to draw me in at every angle.

Mendoza's First Trip Yale Art Gallery

 Leesandra Mendoza

 The Museum Experience

Professor Nevins 

First Trip Yale Art Gallery

On my first trip, I went to the Yale art gallery in New Haven, Connecticut. On this trip, I specifically focused on the traveling exhibit “ Munch and Kirchner: Anxiety and Expression” (February 16, 2024- June 23, 2024). It’s always interesting to see what the gallery has a display for the traveling exhibits this one very much as well as the rest due to my enjoyment of Munch’s art work. This exhibit themes on anxiety and expression specifically in woman, love, death, and within the self where occurring in many of the pieces.

One of the two pieces that I was very excited to see in this exhibit was Munch’s Two Women on the Shore print. The print was created in 1898 with this being specifically done in 1906. The medium was “woodcut printed in black, orchid, green, and dark blue as well as hand colored in green crayon or colored pencil.” This piece was done as a part of a series, focusing on themes of separation, love, and existential angst. The piece itself features two women one being an older woman in black and the other a young maiden in white. At first Glenn looking at this piece without thinking of the original it seems like two women who are standing on almost a cliff. I do so it’s not a cliff due to one of the green outstretch peninsulas not having anything underneath it to support this theory. With the knowledge of the original painting, The ground  is done in a sandy color indicating that they are on the beach and the blue is the shore. The older woman dressed in black is facing towards the woman in white but not quite looking at her. As the woman in white is facing the sea itself. My interpretation of this painting, rest in the themes of separation, isolation and loneliness specifically that follows Munch’s themes through his series. Both women seem almost as if they lost in their own thought not really looking at each other nor having any physical connection. I also take the colors that Munch used in his work As the separation of the old and the young. Maiden in white, looking out to the outstretched ocean and the older maiden in black looking in the direction of the younger maiden. 

The next piece that I truly enjoyed was Edvard Munch's Madonna ca.1895 on oil on canvas. This piece was placed in the specific "Women/Love/Death and Anxiety" section of the exhibit. 

This piece depicts, a young woman with long black hair going down her shoulders, her eyes are closed and her head is tilted upwards, With her right hand behind her head and her left hand behind her back as she is fully nude from what is shown. In the background of the piece are wavy lines thinly surrounding her. The wavy lines in the background seem to be dulled out, red and blues. I sure should’ve originally analyze this piece as more of a sexual nature to it before looking at the name of this piece. The word madonna has two meanings to it. The first one is the idealized virtues of a woman. The second meaning when it comes to Madonna refers back to the Virgin Mary. I interpret the piece using both meanings. With the first look, there is an idealized version what a woman looks like. She split out on the big piece of canvas hair long and passed her shoulders. Her new body visible to the audience with her hands behind her, showing an openness one that wants to walk closer. Unlike if she had her hands covering herself up. Where I see the second Meaning of this piece pulls through on one specific detail, the halo. Although it’s not confirmed, it is halo. The orange red circle behind her head mimics that of a halo. 

Here are some more piece from the exhibit 

Edvard Munch, Weeping Woman 

1930, Lithographic crayon

Edvard Munch, Dr. Daniel Jacobson 

1908–1909, Lithographic

Basquiat

I found Jean-Michel Basquiat's story fascinating. He was a graffiti artist from Brooklyn who became famous for blending street culture with high art. He collaborated with other artists, including Andy Warhol, and grew as an artist. But he struggled with addiction and died at 27. Nevertheless, his art continues to inspire people worldwide.

My 4th Visit

 Over the weekend, we were visiting Houston, where I was able to fulfill a long-held desire of mine: to visit the Rothko Chapel. As an admirer of Mark Rothko's work for many years, the anticipation of this visit was palpable.

The Rothko Chapel, established in 1971, is a non-denominational chapel designed to be a sanctuary of tranquility in the heart of downtown Houston. The chapel is not merely a building, but an experience, beginning even before one steps through the chapel doors. The sight that greets visitors is Barnett Newman’s remarkable sculpture, the Broken Obelisk, a towering and awe-inspiring tribute to Martin Luther King. Newman once said, "The Obelisk is concerned with life and I hope that I have transformed its tragic content into a glimpse of the sublime." This captivating sculpture sets the stage for the profound experience that awaits within the chapel.

The beauty of the Rothko Chapel is enhanced by its policy of prohibiting photographs within its sacred walls. While this might seem inconvenient to some, I found it to be a refreshing change that allowed me to immerse myself fully in the magnificent works of art. Without the distraction of capturing the 'perfect shot', I was able to engage with the art on a deeply personal and spiritual level.

As someone who does not adhere to a specific religious denomination, the Rothko Chapel resonated with me on a profound level. The humbling experience of sitting in silence, surrounded by families and art enthusiasts alike, while observing the grandeur of Rothko's art was deeply moving.

Mark Rothko, an artistic force to be reckoned with, was associated with the American Abstract Expressionist movement of the 1950s and the Color Field movement of the 1960s. However, the artist himself eschewed such labels. His art was commissioned by the de Menils, who had been impressed by his work in a New York Four Seasons Hotel.

In a 1966 letter to the de Menils, Rothko acknowledged the magnitude of the task they had assigned him, writing, "…the magnitude, on every level of experience and meaning, of the task in which you have involved me, exceeds all of my preconceptions. And it is teaching me to extend myself beyond what I thought was possible for me." Tragically, Rothko passed away before he could see the completed chapel.

Rothko's dedication to his work is evident in the suite of 14 paintings that he created for the chapel. These included seven canvases with hard-edged black rectangles on a maroon ground and seven purple tonal paintings. The way the natural light filters in and interacts with these large-scale works is breathtaking, and one can imagine that Rothko would have been extremely pleased with the result.

The de Menils drew inspiration from the global ecumenical movement, the Second Vatican Council, and France’s initiatives to incorporate modern art and architecture into places of worship. As Dominique de Menil once said, “In the summer of 1952, we visited…the churches where Fernand Léger and Henri Matisse, two towering artists of their time, had contributed their greatest work. We visited also the site where Le Corbusier was going to build his famous Chapel of Ronchamp. We saw what a master could do for a religious building when he is given a free hand. He can exalt and uplift as no one else.”

In conclusion, my visit to the Rothko Chapel was an enlightening experience that has left a forever mark and impression on me. I would strongly encourage anyone with the opportunity to visit this revelatory chapel to do so.

4th visit

 4th Visit

For my 4th visit, I again went to the Yale art gallery. For this visit I decided to walk through the Indo-Pacific Art exhibit. This time I visited alone, listened to music and had about an hour and a half visit, which I throughly enjoyed. Afterwards, I visited the Atticus bookstore across the street (notice how I’m always mentioning it in my posts, definitely visit if you’ve never been, such a nice vibe) and bought a book, did a bit a homework. To be quite honest, the exhibit kind of unsettled me. This is because the masks and journals with foreign languages gave me cursed vibes, but at the same time it was so cool and there were definitely a few pieces I LOVED. If I had to pick one (which I do), I’d say it was this beautiful collection of rings they had on display. If you were to ask any of my friends, they’d tell you how much I obsess and love jewelry, so seeing these piece from some time ago was so fun to me. 

The Yale art gallery is noted as the oldest art museum in the western hemisphere. Located in New Haven, Connecticut (obviously), it was founded in 1832 by John Trumbull. In 1832, the year he founded the YAG, he sold 60 mini portraits and 28 paintings to Yale, he designed the neoclassical building we know as the Yale art gallery. 

My general opinion of the exhibit was I was uncomfortable looking a quite a lot of the pieces. It reminded me of those types of movies where an explorer discovers an old artifact, breaks it or something and becomes cursed and spirals into craziness. While it did make me uncomfortable, it was also very interesting how the exhibit was able to do that, because I feel like art hasn’t really made me feel anything but happiness or sadness. All in all, I really recommend you guys visit this exhibit!

As I mentioned before, my favorite “piece” I saw was a collection of rings. As I also mentioned, due to my interest in jewelry, I was entranced by these beautiful accessories. Unfortunately, the artist(s) of these pieces remain unknown, so there is not much information I can provide about what works the artist(s) may have made before and after, but I like to imagine it was more jewelry such as bracelets, earrings, possibly even anklets. To give what little background I can, there is one ring I really loved titled Wire wrapped Ring with Claw set Stone which is believed to be made between mid 7th - 10th century. It is made out of gold and is from the Protoclassic period. 

Wire wrapped Ring with Claw set Stone (pictured top left corner), Unknown

Seeing these in person was so much fun, and it was so nice to speculate who might have worn or made these rings. I much look forward to my next visit. Even after the last post, I think I’ll try to visit at least a month because I really do enjoy the experience of being able to go visit these exhibits.

My 4th Museum Visit

 This week I went to the NBMAA on Thursday April 18th, 2024. This was a solo trip as I ended up participating in one of their hosted events. I got to the museum around 5:30 pm so I could be able to walk around the park for a bit. The event I participated in started at 6 pm so I took the time to go to the park and walk. The weather wasn’t too bad—a bit cloudy but still warm enough to go on a nice walk around the local park. I ended up walking for a bit and I enjoyed my walk as it was windy but warm enough, so the breeze felt nice as it hit my face. There were a couple of people here and there, either taking a stroll themselves, on a run, or playing in the playground. Also, there were a couple of cherry blossom trees that were very pretty, which I admired as the wind hit them, their petals dancing in the wind as they fell. 

The event I participated in was Yoga – An Artful Practice at the New Britain Museum of American Art, led by certified, experienced instructors: Ysanne & Heather from YWCA New Britain. The event is hosted every Thursday, which started back in February and continues through April, from 6-6:45 pm. I was informed of it on my first visit to the museum by the receptionist at the front desk. She mentioned that people from all over town come by, bring their yoga mats, and participate in the activity, which is a cool experience I thought about trying out. I decided to participate this week because I didn't have much to do in the afternoon so I decided to try something new. I decided to sign up for 04/18, with an entry fee of $8, and gave it a try. I was a little nervous at first since I have not participated in something like this before and I partook in yoga classes before, over the summer but it’s been a while.

It got to the event and it was held in the room showcasing NEW/NOW Anila Quayyum Agha: Illuminations exhibition. Agha uses a single light source to illuminate her finely carved steel sculptures, which dramatically fill the space with elaborate patterns of light and shadow. These shadows and light illuminations were so beautiful and the room was perfect for the yoga session as it was very peaceful and kept everyone in a zen state. The intricate issues of international politics, gender roles, and mass media are all skillfully woven together in Agha's art, which also manages to evoke a meditative, inviting atmosphere that captivates you. It was a very fun activity to partake in as we started off the session with stretching and focusing on a variety of poses to do. Everyone was so kind and helpful and overall it was just a very peaceful environment to be in. Everyone concentrated on their poses and the instructors were super nice and inviting. I really enjoyed this experience as it was something new for me but also something I would have never done before so I put myself out there and took part in an activity that led me to try new things. I did not take any pictures of when I was at the event but I found one online that promoted the event so I will include it here. It was really fun and I think I might invite friends to come and try it out themselves before April is over. 

Continuing on with the art I saw on my visit. A piece of art that I enjoyed was a photograph by Justin Favela and Mikayla Whitmore titled, Circus Circus Mirror Maze (after Walter Wick). It is a pigmented inkjet photograph taken in 2024. Friends and colleagues Justin Favela and Mikayla Whitmore were born and raised in Las Vegas, and they often draw inspiration from the visual richness of their home city in their artwork. Admirers of the renowned photo-illustrator Walter Wick (b. 1953), Favela and Whitmore appropriated Wick's stunning Mirror Maze photo, which is featured in the acclaimed / SPY book series, to create Circus Circus Mirror Maze (after Walter Wick). Circus Circus Mirror Maze includes items from the artists' own collections, such as Whitmore's family house and Favela's grandmother's nativity set, similar to Wick's portrait. The colors pink and white are a reference to Circus Circus Casino, where the friends used to spend a lot of time when they were kids.

 Looking at the image, I was mesmerized by the number of trinkets used for it. It was very childlike, and fun, bringing me back to my youth! I thought the composition was well thought out, as looking closely, it's just one single triangle with two mirrors facing one another, which causes this infinite effect of never-ending rooms, but nonetheless, it's so cool to see! When looking at this photograph, I am reminded of my childhood and the I spy books and coloring sheets I used to color, where you are meant to look for certain objects. I remember I would do these a lot in school. When we had free time from class, my friends helped one another find these objects, which is so nostalgic that we would sit and assign each other certain objects so we could finish faster. This photograph is very playful and unique and really gets you reminiscing on your own childhood based on the artist's life and what they also experienced as children. All the trinkets used were very cute and a universal experience that a lot of children either played with or came in contact with in one way or another. 

It feels like deja vu, like I've been within this image but I have no recollection of it. Maybe it's the stripped tent since it can also be connected to circuses and fun. Overall, these museum experiences and visits have been something I am very fond of and cherish as I am exposed to new artists and mediums, all of which are very inspiring. The NBMAA  has so much to offer and I am happy to have had the opportunity to make time for these visits for this course. These visits are very fun and there's always something new I discover. I'm actually looking forward to the following week, as a new exhibit is being installed. The exhibit is titled The Land Carries Our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans and was unveiled on April 19, 2024. I’m looking forward to seeing it next week! Until next time!

Museum Visit 3

    Earlier this week I visited the Toledo Museum of Art once again. During this visit I focused my attention on a few exhibits in the museum that I did not spend much time or focus on during my last visit. As I stepped into the building, I was immediately struck by the museum's elegant architecture. I was filled with anticipation and excitement as I began our exploration, eager to learn what was ahead of us.   

    The Toledo Museum of Art was established in 1901 to share the transformative power of art with the community when founded by Edward Drummond Libbey and Florence Scott Libbey. The museum's main building was completed a few years later. Over the years, the museum has expanded its collection and facilities.

    The museum's collection is a treasure trove of artistic expression, spanning diverse genres and time periods. As I explored the galleries, I was struck by the beauty and variety of the artworks on display. From ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces, the collection offered something for everyone. 

    Among the many remarkable works,  was a piece by Piet Mondrian. Piet Mondrian, a Dutch artist, was a trailblazer in the world of abstract art. His work was a part of the De Stijl movement which Mondrian founded along with Theo van Doesburg. The movement was a reaction to the horrors of World War I and sought to create a new, spiritualized world order through a universal visual language of geometric forms. The painting that caught my eye was "Composition with Red, Blue, Yellow, Black and Gray.” Created in 1922, this masterpiece is a celebration of geometric abstraction and vibrant colors. Mondrian's bold lines and dynamic composition drew me in, making me think about the harmony and balance within the artwork. This piece is “dominated by a large white square surrounded by small color planes that extend to the edges of the canvas, Composition with Red, Blue, Yellow, Black, and Gray expresses Piet Mondrian’s desire to balance opposing forces by concentrating on the subtle relationship between lines, shapes, and colors (Toledo Art Museum).”

    Mondrian believed his nonrepresentational style, which he called Neoplasticism, expressed the unity, harmony, clarity, and order possible in nature when opposing forces are in balance. 

After viewing this piece and learning more about Piet Mondrian, my appreciation for Mondrian’s work was deepened. I believe he made revolutionary contributions to the art world. Through its bold colors and geometric forms, this piece continues to inspire artists and captivate viewers. 

Yale art Galler #2

 When I went to the Yale Art Gallery I saw some other great art pieces. The following pieces are the

ones that stuck out to me. 

This piece is on the 1st floor which is usually the oldest piece. It was created by a Unidentified Bamana Artist and it is called Animal Head for a Puppet Masquerade. It was made in Mali in the Mid to late 20th century. It is made out of wood with paint, mirrors, cloth, and metal. It depicts a buffalo surmounted by a hyena and a crocodile. This headpiece was used in light-hearted performances communicating serious messages to youth associations in Mali. I took note of this because it was very colorful. I was attracted to the colors because it seemed like many of the pieces on this floor weren't using paint at this point.

This piece is called Undine Rising from the Waters by Chauncey Bradley Ives and was made in 1880 from marble. I took a picture of it because I liked the way the sculpture draped her clothing I thought it looked so light and airy yet it was marble. After Research the figure is supposed to be a Mediterranean sea spirit who takes the form of a human to marry a man and when he cheats on her she is forced to kill him due to the sea spirit traditions. She rises form a water spirit fountain to claim his life. It makes sense that the artist made the medium so light and smooth because it was supposed to be water. 

 This piece is called the Promenade des Anglais and was made in 1924-1925 by Francis Picabia. I took a picture of it because I am always drawn to beach pictures, I find this landscape calming and it makes me feel excited for summer. After research, I find out this is a famous beach in the south of France. I didn't notice the mixed media, it is all different kinds of unorthodox materials, it is important to look closer! The palm trees are macaroni and feathers and the people are leather while the frame is snake skin. Now looking at it does make the figures jump from the foreground. I love collages and make them myself, I didn't even know this was one of them. I am going to try myself to make my collages blend easier into reality as Picabia does. 

Leesandra Mendoza Introduction

My name is Leesandra Mendoza and I am an Albertus Day Student in my final year for my bachelors in Fine Arts with a minor in Education.  I work as an Archival Research Assistant for Albertus Magnus College Library as well as a part time environmental educator at Common Ground  Environmental Education Center in New Haven. I am trying to get into education coordinator positions in museums or other school programs. In my spare time I do art including print making, painting, and ceramics.

  

        

For this class I'll be going to several museums the Met, Mattituck Museum in Waterbury, Yale Art Gallery, and even the Salvador Dalí Museum in Florida on a trip later this month.