“Is being exposed to the multiple pieces of art inspiring you? How so? Will it cause you to change your perspective or actions in any way?”
As a film maker, I constantly look for inspiration in classical works of art, in their use of color and composition and the emotion that plays out in still images. Getting to see works from Edvard Munch to Banksy was enlightening to say the least. I didn’t realize how much I adored museums until this trip and until I had such easy access to so many. My poor boyfriend was having to drag me from exhibits, reminding me that it’s a bit unfeasible to spend ten minutes each careful studying the brush strokes.
I want to use everything I have learned to make art that speaks to others just like what I’ve seen has spoken to me. Rarely am I moved to tears over a painting, but I found myself stifling a sob multiple times throughout the month. Not to be way overdramatic or anything, but sometimes all the emotions an artist puts into their work are so evident it nearly knocks you over. You can find human connection beyond just speaking with others, something I didn’t realize was possible. It’s inspiring to know that the words we wish to convey through our art are heard across generations.
I guess I can finally tell you what my favorite museum was and drumroll please…
The Munch museum!
The first exhibit in the museum combined Munch’s classical works with pieces pulled from his self proclaimed masterpiece and near spiritual work, “The Tree of Knowledge” which encapsulated decades of his thoughts sketches. All of these museums have taught me that the way we categorize and collect these pieces greatly impacts our contextual understanding of them. Munch wanted his art to be viewed in this way, and greatly valued the nature of his motifs to be understood when looking at his paintings. Reading his words, “the words of a madman”, felt like taking a step within his complex mind.
Carson Thorpe 