The National Gallery

1. Critique the logo

Is this just a typeface? After viewing the collection, would you propose a different typeface or a symbol?

When I see the logo for the National Gallery it really does just seem like a type face. It is simple sans serif black font that really doesn't make much of an impression. Despite its lack of originality, the typeface does fit in with the older, distinguished collection in the museum. If they are going to go with this simple font then I think it would have been better to make National larger then Gallery in this stacking format. Considering this is the national museum that seems like a much more important quality to emphasize. Not only is the museum located in such an amazing, historically important square but it also houses some of the most famous paintings and artists. It is unfortunate that they don't take advantage of these qualities when designing the logo.

2. Van Gogh

In your opinion, do the van Gogh paintings live up to their position in art history? Feel free to discuss: line quality, gestural brushwork, color, mood, subject matter, etc. You may also feel free to compare and contrast two van Gogh paintings (to elaborate on your level of engagement).

I wasn't sure how I would feel about van Gogh's paintings, when I initially saw them I wasn't all that impressed to be honest. They had wonderful color but I saw similar beauty in Monet's paintings and others. But the more I observed the more I began to understand and enjoy his work. The colors in sunflowers was really beautiful and the texture on the flowers was really interesting and unique. I really liked that they had all this paintings together so the viewers are able to compare his changing styles as he is influenced by Impressionism and post-impressionism.

This change, especially in the brushstrokes and overall look was evident when we looked at Sunflowers compared to A Wheatfield with Cypresses. The brushstrokes and images are a lot more fluid then in Sunflowers which tended to be more exact and pinpointed, focused on the exaggerated texture.

3. Object of Desire

What object from the collection would be suitable for your future home? Describe the characteristics that make this both a desirable work of art –and suitable for your future penthouse, cottage, log cabin, trailer… Please provide artist name and title.

My object of desire is a painting called La Ferte by Richard Parkes Bonington (1825). It is a sketch done of the Picardy Coast in France and painted by Bonington who did a lot of work on coast scenes. I love that this was painted on the spot. It makes it even more interesting how spontaneous it was and it really feels like the painting captured a moment. Looking at it iI feel serene and calm. I can almost smell the salty air, feel the breeze and the sand under my toes. The painting is well balanced with the boats on both sides and the similar coloring of the clouds and the water create a soothing harmony.

4. Gallery / Display

The National Gallery has the brightest palette of wall color thus far from our museum visits. Do these colors enhance or interfere from the displays? Do you prefer the minimal palette of the Tate Modern in comparison?

I personally prefer the white washed wall and minimalist style of the Tate Modern and other museums we have visited. Although I did enjoy the ornate frames that many of the pieces were held in. I thought they really maintained and enhanced the beauty and often gold colors of the paintings. On that note although I did not like the bright colors of the walls they did, on occasion, bring out the colors in the paintings. For example most of the paintings hanging in the purple room had accents of purple in them and colors which go along well with purple such as deep greens. Overall, and especially for the simpler paintings or ones of scenery white walls would have been a better choice and allowed more appreciation and less distraction.

5. Exploitation / Merchandising?

Does the use of objects from the collection to create merchandise such as handbags, umbrellas, and t-shirts diminish the original work of art? Are certain forms of merchandising more acceptable –and if so what are those forms –postcards and posters?

I don't think using objects from the collection to create merchandise diminishes the art. Being able to buy a print of the paintings or even seeing it on a shirt makes the art more accessible for everyone. Seeing them on postcards and posters is no different then looking it up on the internet, which is available to almost everyone.People should be able to enjoy art without being in the museum and it even brings awareness to the artists and painting that people might not even know exist. Plus, like a play or a movie nothing takes away from the unique experience of seeing the object or going to the play in person. You can see artwork on an umbrella but you have to go to the museum to actually get the full effect. I did not personally like the little dolls of the artists, I thought that could be a little disrespectful and overall just creepy. I think posters and postcards can be a better way of recreating the art because it shows it fully which maintains the characteristics and integrity of original piece of art.

6. Object of appreciation

Provide a short description of your favorite object from the collections? Please provide label information such as name, date, origin, etc. Why would you return to this object for greater contemplation?

My object of appreciation is The Virgin and Child with St Anne and St John the Baptist by Leonardo da Vinci created around 1499-1500. It was created with charcoal, and black and white chalk on a few pieces of paper all glued together. It is believed that is it a cartoon for a painting. I didn't understand this idea but its interesting because as much as I walk around and admire the art work I don't always reflect on how it was drawn in the first place. I did not realize there was such detailed sketching before hand. I love looking at leonardo da Vinci's work, especially his drawings on human anatomy. This seemed similar because it is a sketch. I think I even like his sketches more then his paintings because of the shading, and softness of the drawing.

Tate Modern

1. Critique the logo

There are variations of the Tate Modern logo presented with a range of blurred effects. In your opinion what benefit or distraction is executed with variations of the logo? Do slight variations connect to the range of contemporary art more than a static/single logo?

Like i felt last week with the Tate Britain, the Tate Modern's logo definitely embodied the fun energy of the exhibits and the museum as a whole. This was especially reinforced when we went into the museum and saw the signatures of the artists on the wall. These signatures connected to the whimsy of the Tate part of the logo. I wasn't as enthusiastic about the variations of the blurring. I do think it is distracting and I prefer the slightly clearer, less blurred logo. The variety doesn't connect the logos.

2. Free Admission

Every museum that you have visited has free admission. In Chicago, admission to the Field Museum (Museum for biological and anthropological collections) is $29 Adult and $20 child. Are museums only for the rich in the United States? How do free museum admissions impact the London culture?

I don't think museums are only for the rich in the US but it is obvious how charging for entrance could create a divide. Particularly I know that whenever I say I like to go to museums people nicely tease me for being "classy" or "cultured." I never understood why people feel that way. I think part of that is because in the US going to the museum is just done during school trips or special occasions, its not a normally weekend activity for many Americans. It is great that in the UK there is no admission fee because it gets rid of this divide, it lets people on a budget or who live in less privileged areas the opportunity to visit and learn at these museums.

3. The Unilever Series: Al Weiwei

The Unilever Series is comprised of millions of individual porcelain objects. The curator states the following, “Each piece is a part of the whole, a commentary on the relationship between the individual and the masses.” Do you agree or do you believe the installation falls short of answering pointed questions such as: What does it mean to be an individual in today's society? Are we insignificant or powerless unless we act together? Feel free to express your opinion on the ongoing discussion of installation art.

Although I was impressed by the sheer size of the display and the obviously meticulous work that went into it, it didn't make as much of an impact as the previous exhibit we had experienced. I liked the concept but I would not have been able to fully appreciate the piece if I hadn't seen "the making of/behind the scenes" video. We were so separated from the exhibit it was a totally different experience then the Coral Reef. That one we were able to smell and physically interact with the art, this definitely allowed for a personalized, in depth experience and I think it better got the artists point across. I didn't really get the artists message in the seeds, I wish it had come through more because I see where his inspiration came from and what he was trying to achieve but I didn't feel emotion or connect with it.

4. Display

The gallery walls remain white throughout the Tate Modern exhibition spaces. Does the color white enable a neutral field for contemplation of the contemporary and modern art? Would you prefer a break in color – an introduction of additional hues to alter the experience, or do the corridors and spaces in between art displays enable visual pulses?

Just like in the Tate Britain, I feel that the white walls contributed to the viewers enjoyment and contemplation of the pieces. It allowed you to focus on the piece without being distracted by any other colors or a complex exhibit technique. For example if the Jackson Pollocks I saw had been put against a colored wall or too close to another painting I wouldn't have gotten as much of an impact from looking at it.The corridors and actually the whole building provided enough of a difference between the displays to break things up. I enjoyed the large rooms that were white from the ceiling to the floor with only metal and some wood accents. All of this neutralized the space while maintaining character on its own.

5. Power station to Art museum

Describe your impressions both exterior and interior of the Tate Modern building. Is this an ideal building to house a modern collection?

I do think this building was an interesting choice for a modern collection. I enjoyed what a unique space it was from all the other art museums I have visited so far. It is extremely different from the classical look of the V&A or event the Tate Britain. Aesthetically I would have liked the exterior to be a little more interesting and exciting but many of my apprehensions were gone when I stepped into the building. Walking in I was impressed by their ability to not lose the feeling of the old power plant while being progressive (like the collection itself). I loved the metallics and the large atrium, it was progressive and had an interesting look and feel. Recently I have been reading about city renewals, especially in Newark, NJ close to where I live and they have been doing this kind of reusing and refurbishing old buildings for new uses. It was interesting to see that done here.

6. Object of appreciation

Provide a short description of your favorite object from the collections? Please provide label information such as name, date, origin, etc. Why would you return to this object for greater contemplation?

My favorite piece was "The Three Dancers" (1925) by Pablo Picasso. I loved the energy, action, and style of this painting. I had never seen a Picasso painting in person and I really enjoyed seeing many of his other pieces as well. This one is supposed to convey love, sex, and death 'linked in an ecstatic dance resulting in loss of self.' This description alone makes me want to come back and examine this painting fully to really explore and examine what is going on in this painting. I would also really like to study this style (I think it is cubism) more and see other paintings like it.

Science Museum

** Sorry Steven! I signed up for museums the second week and missed this trip. I went back on my own and saved this partially done in a draft and totally forgot to submit it. Hope thats ok!

1. Critique the logo

Does it relate to the mission / subject matter / content?

Is it appropriate for the audience?

This logo seems to perfectly relate to the mission/subject matter/content of the museum. The exhibits they have vary from space to human anatomy to the internet and beyond. The logo has a very modern and versatile look which matches the progressive scientific topics in the exhibits. The block lettering and unique layout are reminiscent of one you would see on a computer, which references the technology exhibits and up to date scientific material they offer.

THe museum is aimed at children and adults with really more of a focus on the children with the interactive and colorful exhibits they offer. Just like many of the objects inside the logo is very eye catching and interesting. It would catch the attention of the children and adults.

2. Navigation

Is there a clear path to exhibitions?

Do the signs adequately navigate users?

Does the museum plan allow for several paths?

Is the handout/map legible for navigation?

Overall the layout seems simple, everything is color coded, has arrows and frequent signs which direct you to where you need to be. I personally found it difficult to locate some exhibits but that might be because I have trouble reading map. Some floors were difficult to get to and you could only get there by taking and elevator then the stairs. It is such a large place it can be overwhelming. The signs were definitely more helpful to me then the maps were, explaining what each floor had on it and where they were.

3. Shop / Cafe

Describe how the shop and cafe extend or compromise the brand? Do products (merchandise) reinforce the brand?

The shop and cafe extend the brand in numerous ways. They have a similar type face, bright colors, and large signs which all resemble one another, keeping a direct connection between all aspects of the museum. The products were all science related and related to the many exhibits in the museum itself, this reinforcing the brand and museum. Also, they sold science tshirts with the museum typeface which maintained the continuity of the brand. Except for some books, complex telescopes, etc most of the products sold were directed at children, their main audience.The location of the cafe and the shop were both just off the main area and very open, keeping it in sight of everything going on the rest museum. This kept everything in sync and connected.

4. Display cases

Compare and contrast the display cases throughout the museum.

Do they function to protect? How is text integrated into the display?

Two of the major types of display cases in the museums were ones where an object is housed inside of a glass case to protect it, usually with a text right near by explaining the objects importance or information behind it. This type of exhibit is less interactive and more informative. They are interesting to look at but usually one can move on quickly. Another type of case I was surprised to find was the open display cases. This was when the object wasn't surrounded by glass but had a little barrier in front to fit allowing the viewer to feel closer to the object. For example you were able to go up to the large, rotating globe in the space exhibit and although it was out of reach, I still felt like it was more aesthetically interesting then something I just glanced at in a display case. Most of the time the text was either on a large panel next to the object or sometimes actually written on the glass itself. More often it was right next to the object or exhibit providing detailed background information, which the science museum actually did very well.

5. Exhibits

Describe the details of your favorite exhibit

Consider color, layout, content, objects. Why is this memorable?

My favorite exhibit was probably one of the less colorful and flashy ones. I really enjoyed the information about medical history and medicine in culture. On the floor about illness you could walk along this plank path through the history of illness, which focused on asthma, tuberculosis, childhood illness and how all these were treated. They had tv screens which were playing black and white videos of Drs explaining medical findings or what an illness was or how to treat it. This was a focus on the history of these illnesses and there were old time lung machines, syringes, exam tables and medical equipment. Next to each object and station there were detailed but simple enough explanations. I was impressed by their description of complex concepts such as DNA, explaining them in a way that a child could easily understand. THey also used creative fonts and styles to punch up the exhibit and the readings. I found this exhibit memorable mostly because of my own personal interest in medicine, illness and medical history. I also like the layout of the exhibit, the fact that you had to walk along a path to get there. Another really creative part was using the tv screens and videos to draw the viewer in. Watching these really mad you feel like you were back in that era and gave you a better grasp of what topic was being focused on.

6. Facts

What critical information did you learn from your visit?

The most important thing I took away from this experience was really looking at a museum in a different way then i ever have before. I was always a relatively passive observer, enjoying museums a lot but I never thought about them critically- why things are displayed the way they are, how they are laid out, or branding. I really enjoyed engaging in my surroundings more and I actually think I will remember this visit alot more because of this new way of looking at things.

Tate Britain

1. Critique the logo. Does the logo relate to the architecture, galleries, and collections? Describe the overall essence/energy.

The logo for the Tate Britain in my opinion fits in very well with the overall energy and exhibits in the museum. Although there are classic works, much of the collection I saw was abstract/modern art This logo is pixilated, uses san sarif font and gives off a modern interpretive vibe - just like the art inside. I would not say that the logo fit in completely with the architecture as the building was more grand and seemed more rigid. The logo on the other hand is less serious, it is light, fun and progressive. Some of the furniture in the gallery did seem to fit with the logo, but more so with the exhibits - for example some of the minimalist galleries had plain, simple benches in neutral colors.

What I found really interesting and worked extremely well was using the logo to connect the different Tate museums. The Tate looked the same but Britain or Modern in the title had their own distinct styles. This differentiated them while still connecting them and keeping up the continuity.

2. Ophelia

For members of the Theater class please contrast the depiction of Ophelia’s death in Director Nicholas Hytner’s Hamlet with the visual depiction of John Everett Millais painting. For members not enrolled in the Theater class, discuss why you think this painting is one of the most popular artworks in the collection. Is it part of the fabric of English Literature? Note: it is the highest selling postcard in the museum shop.

For a painting depicting a death it is surprisingly sweet, tranquil, and poignant. She almost looks like she could be sleeping. She is surrounded by reeds, trees, flowers and bright colors. Her face looks relaxed and her pallid hue contrasts brightly against the dark, placid water. It seems like she is content to let the current carry her away, her arms are open seeming to welcome death and the escape from her depression and madness. It is a beautifully painful scene. In the Hamlet stage version we saw Ophelia's death is depicted completely differently. First of all on stage you can see the transition into madness and her craziness and you know what caused it. Unless you know the story of Hamlet and see her insanity, it is hard to really appreciate the darkness of her death from the painting. In the play she is described as dying in the way that the picture shows, but in this interpretation she is instead grabbed and murdered by the state. Although the painting is sad, it is very tranquil and calm. When Ophelia is killed in the play she is screaming and is violently murdered. As sad as it is in the painting, there is sense of closure and peace, while in the play it felt like she was yanked from life and and killed horribly.

3. Display

Compare and contrast the varied display techniques of Gallery 11 and Gallery 9. Discuss the relationship of the sparsely arranged style with the modern art in contrast to the salon style hanging (presented in groups with multiple rows) of the Pre-Raphaelites.

The modern art display fit in with the minimalist style of the art. It was clean, white washed ceiling and walls, almost sterile looking, with a plain light brown floor. Nothing in the room distracted from the paintings. Each large individual painting was displayed standing alone, and spaced out far from another one. The neutral colored, plain benches fit the decor of the room and the simple white guarders in front of the painting added to the minimalist feel. The huge room felt empty but at the same time I appreciated it as it made the colors and composition of the paintings pop against the white and have more of an impact. Nothing in the room detracted from enjoying what you were there to experience, which were the paintings themselves. I enjoyed this room a lot.

Although it was closed at the time, we were able to get a peak at the salon style gallery. The whole room, from the marble lining the wall to the ornate frames to the colors in the painting created a more welcoming, warmer atmosphere. The stacking of the paintings created a more claustrophic display and it was hard to focus on one piece. But this was alright because I felt the pieces didn’t seem to require your entire focus, they tended to be scenes or portraits which were just more straight forward. I guess it was because I didn’t get to examine them up close but I wasn’t sure why they chose to group certain patings together. I would be interested to go back and look at the gallery in person to get a better feel of it.

4. Installation Art

Describe your experience of “The Coral Reef” by Mike Nelson. Elaborate on the odors, navigation, mystery, etc. In your opinion – is this art?

I liked the Coral Reef and I definitely think it can be considered art. To me art is something that provokes a visceral emotion and this exhibit did. It was an interesting type of art I had never experienced before. It consisted of a series of rooms, some with multiple doors, all connected by halls. It seemed to be made of plywood and reminded me of a hastily put together shack with the drywall and plain wood. Much of the wood look worn and damaged with holes or dents. The entire place had a musky, damp smell and each room had minimal but interesting items in it. One had only a couch, a single cactus in the corner, and pamphlets tied together in the floor with Lenin written on them (pictured). One room had two TVs left on with only static going. Recently I looked at intense pictures from the city of Chernobyl since they have just recently been able to go back in. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/02/chernobyl-25-years-after-_n_816902.html#s233577) The pictures show people had left their most personal items behind, they are lost and the city is completely solitary and abandoned. This exhibit without a doubt reminded me of the town where everyone is forced to leave in a hurry The doors would slam shut behind. It was eery and creepy. I understand what he was trying to get at in this lost world of lost people. Not only did I feel lost in the maze of rooms, I felt strangely alone even though I knew I was in a building with hundreds of people. This is something you cannot often feel in the modern world where everyone has cell phones, it is over populated and you can connect with anyone half way around the globe with the click of your mouse. Also, maybe I’m reading too much into it, but there seemed to be a poltical compenent of the exhibit. All the Arabic material, Lenin books, and in one room a drug poster seems to point to how people in our society get lots in their causes and ideas. Were disconnected and push others further awy by getting lost in our own dogmas and beliefs. Stubbornly unwaveringly sticking to them. The internet can connect people but it can also push them further into only connecting with people who share their opinions. That’s why people like to be around people who support their way of thinking and congrate and exclude because of that. Maybe that was reaching too much but that was something I took away as a potential meaning. This solidarity people create can definitely be felt in the room. Its unsettling and creepy.

5. Tate Britain versus V&A

Which museum experience did you find most favorable and why? Items for discussion: architecture, collection, navigation, etc.

I liked the collection in the Tate Britain more then I liked the V & A, but I liked the architecture and the V&A building more then the Tate. It was an impressive space, very large and commanding which fit very well with the historical and cultural things items on display. I liked that the Tate had signifigantly more diverse kinds of art which appealed to me and held my interest. I wasn’t expecting to see many of the types and styles of the art, I have not studied much modern art so this caught me by surprise. It almost made the typical portraits and sculptures which were similar to those in the V&A become more unique and stick out because they weren’t as prevalent. I found it to be progressive and overall more inspiring then the V&A. Although I loved walking around the V&A and there was a lot to see it felt like a labyrnth. You could get lost easily and it was difficult to navigate. There were only certain stairways that would take you to an exhibit and it could easily get confusing. The Tate was more straight forward. The rooms were large, well lit, and the art was displayed so that it didn't feel overwhelming to look at. The Tate was overall much more light, exciting, and a better overall experience.

6. Object of appreciation

Provide a short description of your favorite object from the collections? Please provide label information such as name, date, origin, etc. Why would you return to this object for greater contemplation?

This is a piece called From Tarzan to Rambo: English Born 'Native' Considers her Relationship to the Constructed/Self Image and her Roots in Reconstruction 1987. It is combined photography and mixed media and was created by Sonia Boyce. I find this piece really interesting because it deals with how media can shape ones self image and how race is depicted and dealt with in our society. I feel like it has social and cultural significance and it is from a perspective I do not personally deal with going to a predominately white school. In a lot of ways though, I think the societal implications and messages can be universal and are relevant today. I feel like this piece has a lot to say and could be studied in a lot more depth especially in combination with some historical research.