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!