The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery is the home to some of America’s finest paintings, photographs, and sculptures of the people who have come to shape the America that we know today. The gallery features a comprehensive collection of the past 44 U.S. presidents and their accomplishments while in office. Its newest additions, two grand portraits depicting America’s first African-American President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, first debuted during Black History Month on February 12th of 2018 (National Portrait Gallery, 2015). The unveiling of the Obamas marks more than the introduction of the first African-American couple into the Smithsonian, but also celebrates the first African-American artists, Amy Sherald and Kehinde
Wiley, to be featured in the history of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. For the past 56 years, the official portraits of the nation’s former leader have depicted white presidents, also created by white artists (Pogrebin, 2018). Additionally, many of these portraits share common characteristics: stoic facial expression, powerful stance, neutral palette, and professional background/setting; however the paintings of the Obamas disregards all. Instead, the unveiling of the Obamas struck many for its tasteful use of bright colors and their cool and casual expressions - all of which seem fitting as they reflect the witty nature of the family. The portraits of the Obamas depart the traditional paintings of presidential couples, bringing in life and color into the otherwise monotonous gallery.
For my research I decided to visit the Smithsonian art museum in Washington dc. The Smithsonian art museum has about 3299 art works on display for viewing. I was able to see many great works of art while the art museum. The trip was eye opening. I was exposed to different art techniques with varying use of contrast and depth. I noted the different brush strokes and drawing styles and how they varied between each artist. After viewing many works of art, I decided to compare Henry O Tanner’s painting “The head of a Jew in Palestine” with Alice Pike Barneys painting, “The head of a Negro Boy”
The Sistine Madonna in the Royal Gallery at Dresden, Saxony The most beautiful picture in the world is the Sistine Madonna in the Royal Gallery at Dresden, Saxony. It was painted by Raphael as an altar-piece for a church in Piacenza, Italy. In a far corner of the great Palace of Art it is now placed, probably to remain until the colors shall fade. It is the only picture in the room. The figures are of life size.
My second gallery review is on the work of Philip Denker. I analyzed the art work at his exhibit; OVER + UNDER”. I saw his exhibit Friday November 15, 2013 at 11:00 am at Trifecta gallery inside the arts factory. When I walked into the room I loved that the room was illuminated with the light of the light bulbs, as well, with the natural illumination of the sun coming through the glass windows and door. When I got inside the room I also noticed it was spacious, and the pieces were very well ordered. The pieces were hung vertically or horizontally, and I liked this because it got my attention.
This documentary not only talks about a significant period in African American and American history; it also gives us a mo...
Philadelphia, PA: Davis University Press, Inc. Smith, J, & Phelps, S (1992). Notable Black American Women (1st Ed). Detroit, MI: Gale & Co. Webster, Raymond B. (1999). African American Firsts in Science & Technology (1st Ed.).
The show’s organizers, Teresa A. Carbone (the museum’s curator of American art) and Kellie Jones, did an exceptional job of strategically placing the artwork in relevance and relating topics to one another. When I arrived, the exhibit was empty and I actually had the opportunity to meet Ms. Carbone, who was on hand at the museum’s entrance.
Throughout American history many African Americans have been overlooked in the field of science. Some powerful minds and great inventors haven’t been re-introduced to new generations. African Americans have contributed a great deal to the advancements of our country and one of the major fields they have made contributions to is in the field of science. Many successful African Americans have been overshadowed by their Caucasian counterparts. More of our children should be aware of these great historians. African Americans that have made major contributions in the field of science that should be discussed, studied and taught to our society to educate new generations of the vast majority of these great scientists.
The time has come again to celebrate the achievements of all black men and women who have chipped in to form the Black society. There are television programs about the African Queens and Kings who never set sail for America, but are acknowledged as the pillars of our identity. In addition, our black school children finally get to hear about the history of their ancestors instead of hearing about Columbus and the founding of America. The great founding of America briefly includes the slavery period and the Antebellum south, but readily excludes both black men and women, such as George Washington Carver, Langston Hughes, and Mary Bethune. These men and women have contributed greatly to American society. However, many of us only know brief histories regarding these excellent black men and women, because many of our teachers have posters with brief synopses describing the achievements of such men and women. The Black students at this University need to realize that the accomplishments of African Americans cannot be limited to one month per year, but should be recognized everyday of every year both in our schools and in our homes.
The Pérez Art Museum Miami, abbreviated PAMM, is a contemporary art museum located in Downtown Miami, in the state of Florida. It was founded in 1984 as the Center for Fine Arts, and in 1996 it changed to Miami Art Museum. It was not until 2013 that the museum changed to its current name and location, moving from East Flagler Street to Downtown Miami. The current name derives from a donation of Jorge M. Pérez, the biggest among private donors. Besides, Mr. Pérez is a well-known and respected trustee and collector of Latin American art.
One pleasant afternoon, my classmates and I decided to visit the Houston Museum of Fine Arts to begin on our museum assignment in world literature class. According to Houston Museum of Fine Art’s staff, MFAH considers as one of the largest museums in the nation and it contains many variety forms of art with more than several thousand years of unique history. Also, I have never been in a museum in a very long time especially as big as MFAH, and my experience about the museum was unique and pleasant. Although I have observed many great types and forms of art in the museum, there were few that interested me the most.
The Washington Monument, a memorial structure designed and constructed in the nineteenth century, signifies an important tribute to the prestigious role and achievements of our nation’s founding father. Ideas for such a monument first arose in 1783, by which time “the fame George Washington, Commanding General and first President of the United States, was assured in the pantheon of statesmen of the world” (1). It was during this year that the Continental Congress proposed an “equestrian statue” in honor of “Washington’s services and his unique role in the founding of the new Republic” (1).
The most stunning monument in our capital is the Washington Monument. At 555 feet high, it is the tallest such monument in the world. It is an obelisk by shape, yet not a true obelisk because it is not carved out of a single stone. The monument was built at intervals between 1848 and 1885. It memorializes George Washington's achievements and his devotion to principles and to his country.
To my belief keeping the long view by Blight meant to keep in mind the struggle of the UGRR movement and people involved and never fall back in the shackles of racism. Learning and studying UGRR should mean keep in mind always the ethical and moral values and treat each other with equality and respect regardless of religion, race or color. The real lesson Blight wants us to understand by keeping long view is to be tolerant, open minded and ethical all thorough our lives.
I was lucky enough to visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam in November of last year. The museum was located in somewhat of a museum park. The Rijks museum and the Stedelijk Museum are located on the same block. A beautiful landscape of ponds and trees are centered around them. The Van Gogh Museum has an audio tour available in all languages via a handheld tour guide. Unfortunately, funds limited me to get the audio tour, but I was able to nonchalantly follow a British couple around most of the five floors. The museum chronologically directes you through a collection of Van Gogh's and his contemporery's works.
The University Art Gallery Show Its bright, It's brash it's stimulating. It's Art Express '06! This years show displayed at the University Art gallery, demonstrated the growing interest in contemporary issues and cultural awareness.