Experience working on visual essay

Working on the visual essay project was an interesting assignment because it made me question public art.  For the first time, I questioned that which I see and observe everyday.  I now look at things in the environment and across the globe in a new and creative way.  To my surprise, objects really do have a different “look” when photographed in a particular way: from above, from below, up close, far away, in brightness, or in a dimly lit area.  Furthermore, numerous individuals have a very extensive definition of what public art is.  I personally chose to not focus in on one particular area.  I looked at all types of public art, and then created a theme to encompass them all.     

Art in Atlanta

Atlanta isn’t always considered to be the “land of art,” but there are actually numerous displays once you start to become aware.  There are so many buildings which, from far away, create a wall against the sky which acts as its background.  There is also a lot of modern art in addition to more traditional art.  I personally enjoy it when the two become integrated.  Furthermore, due to the variety of people that inhabit the area, you can find graffiti and murals, fountains and statues, billboards and stadiums.  Atlanta has a little bit of art for everyone.  Even though the High Museum is located in our very own backyard, it is not necessary to go there if you want to experience art.  The city offers a lot—now we must go out and observe.   

Eiffel Tower

Many people would consider the Eiffel Tower to be the most beautiful building in the world.  Upon viewing this tremendous structure this previous summer, I was truly surprised by its great size and solid structure.  The entire form remained completely motionless despite any environmental change and its impact.  Underneath the tower, one can feel miniscule in comparison.  I personally never truly understood how large this great tourist attraction was.  At night, it is lit up and shines against the dark night sky, but during the day its structure remains a structure – it is a place for people from all over the world to congregate and appreciate.

The Eiffel Tower is beautiful from all angles.  From far away, the viewer can appreciate the complete work of art.  From underneath, the viewer can appreciate all of the inner workings.  While passing by, one can catch glimpses of more odd and unconventional angles through the spaces between the buildings that surround it. 

Art in Gardens

Many individuals assume that art lies within that which is beautiful.  Art can also be found around that which is beautiful.  Gardens are a great place for viewing art because it is an unconventional form of art.  Some gardens are shockingly beautiful due to their vast size while others promote perplexity due to distinctiveness and unusualness.  The beauty can be found in the type of flower, the color of the flower, the layout, the abundance of plants, and the overall feeling an individual walks away with after the viewing.  It can also be influenced based on other environmental conditions and the place that it surrounds.  Perhaps the garden comes secondary to the building and perhaps it is itself the “main attraction.”  

Please view the following images displayed in this link:

http://travelintospain.blogspot.com/2008/09/most-beautiful-and-famous-gardens-in.html

  

Biotechnology Buillding vs. Klaus

The Georgia Tech campus has many forms of art all around it.  There are more modern elements and more traditionally historical buildings.  For instance, the biotechnology building is very traditionally constructed.  Its brick exterior and straight lines contribute to its conventional style while the glass outer walls of the Klaus building add to its contemporary appearance.  Both are beautiful, but they are both very different in style and appearance.  The curved walls of Klaus also make it appear a bit more unconventional and unique.  I do not know which one I like more because I traditionally like more “customary” architecture; however, Klaus is so interesting and thought-provoking.  I regularly think of constructing buildings out of four straight walls, not one long curved one.         

Public Art - Grafitti

Graffiti is a type of public art that is accepted by some and rejected by many.  It can be beautiful and representative or it can be destructive and hurtful.  Graffiti, for many, is a form of escape.  It is a way to draw, write, and create something that reflects one’s true emotions or feelings concerning a certain matter.  Many individuals think that this form of public art looks “bad” and is not representative of the area where it is located; however, in some instances, it is actually a piece of artwork.  Graffiti can be a form of escape and it can also be a place for an artist to display his or her true artistic ability.  It can be beautiful, and it can be found in many places all over the world.    

Louvre

This past summer when I visited Paris, France, I insisted that my family and I go to the Louvre.  Surrounding the entrance is an array of very intricate and ornate buildings; however, the area in which people enter through is very modern.  Both are beautiful, but I must say the modern entrance is a bit more unexpected.  

The paintings inside the Louvre are, for the most part, very large and grand.  The Mona Lisa, one of the biggest attractions, is significantly smaller and a little disappointing in terms of size for me.

 

I really enjoyed my visit to the Louvre, and I would certainly recommend it to others.  There is a little bit of something for everybody and a little bit of everybody there.  It was beautiful to see people from all over the globe congregate to view some of the greatest works in the world.  There were so many responses in so many languages to the same pieces of artwork.  The impact it had on us all was limitless. 

      

Bodies Exhibit

Many individuals would find the content in the bodies exhibit to be quite controversial and even slightly gross.  I personally find the exhibit to be a display of the beauty of the human body.  I have never personally visited the exhibit; however, I would like go to since I am a pre-med student who finds the intricacies of the human form to be enthralling. 

The bodies exhibit is for a mature audience who can see beyond the “flesh” in order to appreciate the beauty that lies beneath.  Some of the displays are more vivid than others, and some show love while others show strength.                    

Think about going!  The website is http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/