Last Documentary Post

The Trinity College Old Library was insane! When you walk in, you are almost overwhelmed by the incredible length of the barrel vaulted ceiling which is almost 65 meters long. The library didn't always look this way. It was originally built around 1712 with a flat ceiling and had to be rebuilt in the 1850s to accommodate for the astonishing 200,000 books that live here.  Along the sides of the walls are two rows of busts of the heads of some famous and some not so famous men throughout history including Aristotle and Jonathan Swift. The busts are all white and all awesome. Obviously they weren't all made by the same artist, but some of the artsists include Peter Schemaker, who did the first fourteen, and Louis Francois Roubiliac, who made the famous Jonathan Swift bust. My favorite part was the smell.

The other buildings of Trinity college are also amazing. It really makes me feel stupid for thinking the columns in Milledgeville were cool. The columns on the Pubic Theatre Building in the main square are very ornately corinthian in style. Another interesting piece of architecture is the Campanile. This is a very recognizable structure because it is often used as the face of Trinity College. It was built in 1853 and is made of granite, cast-iron, and Portland Stone. Around the top of the structure is four statues representing the main subjects of the school which at the time were Divinity, Science, Medicine, and Law. These sculptures were made by Thomas Kirk but the structure itself was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon. I wish GCSU looked more like this!

We saw this incredible piece in the Chester Beatty Library exhibition. This work is entitled "The Gleaners" and was painted by Jules Breton in 1854. The medium is oil on canvas and the style is French Realist. This painting was absolutely breath taking at a first look is because of the masterful use of light and line. Breton's use of light makes some incredible colors that range from an intense orange to a dusty sand. Because there is a lot of farm work going on, most of the subjects of the painting are bending on an diagonal line, which implies movement. He also uses great linear perspective to allow the viewer to get an accurate view of what the scene would actually look like if you were there. This painting is impressive not only because of its incredible detail and color but the fact that it was made during a time where such accuracy just wasn't done. 

Memorial Project

     The Canadian National Vimy monument is a very interesting structure because it reflects a subject matter that is not frequently addressed. The monument commemorates Canadian soldiers that lost their lives fighting in the First World War. Located near Arras, France, the Vimy monument overlooks the Douai plain which was the site of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. This battle took place in 1917 and marked the coming together of the four Canadian Expeditionary Forces for the first time. The huge sculpture rests in the center of the isolated battle field where visitors can come and reflect on the loss of not only Canadian servicemen, but all of the soldiers that were casualties of World War I. 

     The monument was designed by the Toronto-native sculptor an architect Walter Seymour Allward. Allward’s memorial was erected because he was the winner of a national competition to find an appropriate structure to pay tribute to the fallen Canadian soldiers by the Canadian Battlefields Memorials Commission. After his design was chosen as the winner in 1924, the commission decided on the Vimy Ridge battlefield as the location for the monument because the Battle of Vimy Ridge does an excellent job of embodying Canadian unity and sacrifice during World War I. 

     The memorial its self contains several different levels, messages, inscriptions, and sculptures. For the most part, the gigantic monument is made of limestone and concrete with steel reinforcements. Because of the massive amounts of limestone, time, and effort that had to go into the building of the monument, construction took up to eleven years. The memorial’s size made it a huge job so sculptors, engineers, landscape artists, and maintenance workers were hired to work on the project. It took this long to complete mostly because the limestone was imported from Croatia. This does not seem so difficult in today’s times, but back in the 20s and 30s, it was a real hassle to transport blocks of limestone large enough to become gargantuan monuments.  After construction was completed, there was a huge dedication and over six thousand Canadians made a pilgrimage to see the ceremony.

      When you approach the monument, the first thing you see is a wall with soldiers representing Canada’s unyielding defense. As  you move through the memorial, you are surrounded by sculptures either in mourning or with remorseful expressions. The most impacting of these figures is the mourning Mother Canada. Looking over the Vimy Ridge, Mother Canada represents the sorrow of the Canadian people for the tragic loss of life during the war. The main tone presented by the memorial is the desire for peace. This is represented through the inclusion of several doves, olive branches, laurels, figures of several downcast soldiers, and the Breaking of the Swords sculpture. The Breaking of the Swords depicts a soldier breaking his own weapon which show Canada’s penitence for the happenings of World War I. Another significant feature of the memorial is the name inscriptions around the base of the monuments. To see the number of names around the monument really lets the visitors know what a huge impact the war had not only on Canada, but the other countries that were involved in the war. 

     This is a fantastic memorial because it is packed with emotion. Its isolated location allows visitors to be fully invested in the subject matter and really reflect in peace. The fact that it is located where the loss of life actually took place also has a huge impact on those that visit it. Similarly to the Vietnam memorial in Washington DC, the names inscribed on the monument gives a very personal perspective on the War. Even though it is such a dark and gloomy subject matter, the monument does have uplifting aspects so the visitors do not leave completely down hearted. The various symbols of peace spread out throughout the memorial show how the Canadians have learned from their mistakes and can move foreword from this tragic loss of life. The Canadian National Vimy monument is an amazing work of art not only for the incredible sculptures but also for the range of meanings it encapsulates. 

Response 4

Kilkenny castle is an incredible think to behold. It's massive size makes it a bit overwhelming but it is still breathtakingly beautiful. It was built in 1195 by William Marhsal on the river Nore. This convenient location made it easy to protect the castle and those that lived in it. It first belonged to the Earls of Penbrook, then the Butlers, and then it was given to the country of Ireland. It has extensive grounds and a beautiful garden.  Although our visit was brief, there is always time for ice cream.

The Butler Gallery was awesome! First off, its in the basement of a castle?! You are already halfway to greatness! Anyways, it was modern art and it was very very interesting. Our tour guide was so cute and helpful which was fun too. The gallery was named for Peggy and Hubert Buter and houses exhibitions for various artists for several weeks to months. The famous Irish artist Jack Butler Yeats even  had art work there. The artist featured when we visited was Magnhild Opdol and her art was facinating.

     St. Canice's Cathedral was by far my favorite cathedral on this trip. The stained glass was amazing and all of the details were incredible. It was built in the 13th century and its unique and recognizable tower was added in the 14th century. I thought it was interesting how our guide told us that it is the second logest cathedral in Ireland after St. Patrick's in Dublin. It has a rich history, including how it was  "visited" by Oliver Cromwell in 1650. Although it was very beautiful, it was a little eerie with all of the tombs spread throughout it. 

Museum Project

The Museum of Retrospect

   Mission

  The Art Deco movement in art is one that is characterized by ornate and opulent designs that grab the eye with illusions to modern technologies and cultures. This period emerged in response to the ending of the Nouveau movement around the end of the first world war. The Art Deco movement started in France in the 1920s and spread to the rest of the world throughout the 30s and 40s. The style had a huge impact on the culture of the time by its extravagant paintings, sculptures, fashion, and architecture (including the Empire State Building). With its lavishly ornamented and symmetrical style, the Art Deco style represented wealth, glamour, and progress.
     I would like to reacquaint my community with this movement because I would like to give them the opportunity go back to the 20s, 30s, and 40s even if it is just for an hour or so. When you are in my Art Deco museum, you aren't Phil from accounting, you are Phil: the heir of a stately mansion in upstate New York with an apartment in the city. I believe my community should be able to have easy access to art because it is a beautiful escape. By immersing my museum-goers in the Art Deco period, I hope to enlighten them to the more fabulous side of life that was so important during the time.

Public Relations/Publicity

    My target audience is senior citizens. That is why I plan to have admission be free to those over 65. Because either them or their parents were actually in the culture, they should have the easiest access to it. For further pricing, adults are to pay $12, students $10, and children $8. Although senior citizens are my priority, I think students will be interested in the museum as well. Adolescents will be interested in the museum because they are interested in the fabulous party lifestyle that this period represents. I think my museum will be successful because it has something for everyone. Admission will pay for most of the museum's expenses and what we lack will be covered by our mysterious benefactor who is fascinated by Art Deco. I will have an Art Deco expert who will search for new collections that will change every 6 months.  Advertising for my museum will be minimal with a few billboards at most. My hope is that the word of mouth and lack of advertising will create mystery and hype that you have to see to believe. The workers and tour guides at my museum will be ambassadors of the movement in their dress and their behavior. To get the full effect, I will hire acting students to be the tour guides so that the experience is genuine. 

Collections

    The collections in the museum will be separated into three different wings. These collections will be specific to one artist per wing. By doing this I will keep the viewers in one state of mind at a time.  I hope this will get the viewers to appreciate the artist's work and what they did for the movement. My museum will consist of mostly paintings but with the changing of the collections, I may feature some artists that specialize in sculpture or architecture. My first collections will feature Tamara de Lempicka, Erte, and Cassandre. 

Tamara de Lempicka

The Sleeping Girl (Kizette) I

1933 

Oil on Wood Panel 

Irene and Her Sister

1925 

Oil on Canvas

Nana De Herrera 

1929 

Oil on Canvas

The Straw Hat

    1930 

    Oil on Wood Panel

Erte

The Trapeze

1983

Serigraph

The Fishbowl

1977

Serigraph

The Zodiac, Sagittarius

1982

Serigraph

Cloudy Morning

1980

Serigraph

Cassandre

Normandie

1935

Stencil and airbrush on paper

Golden Club

1926

Stencil and airbrush on paper

Harper's Bazaar

1938 

Stencil and Airbrush on Paper

Interior Design

    The interior of the museum will be extremely ornate. From geometric carpet designs to 30s style light fixtures, the interior will be a very accurate representation of what a room of the art deco period would look like. There will also be instrumental jazzy music playing softly in the background. In order to not take away from the art work, there will be a textured and patterned all white panel that will go across the walls to hang the art work from. The works will be labeled simply and without any graphic technology of any kind. Because my target audience is senior citizens, one continuous bench will be right in front of the art work so they can spend some time with each piece. In the center of the three wings will be a large rotunda for the meeting of tours and a small cafe` and gift shop. In the middle of this rotunda will be a huge model of the spire of the Empire State Building which is so characteristic the Art Deco period. 

Exterior Design

    The exterior of the building will just be a simple mirror. Although this may seem to contradict the Art Deco style, it doesn't for my museum. In order to keep up my "you have to see it to believe it" standard, you can't have any hint of the extravagant explosion inside without going in to see it for yourself. By keeping this mystery alive, more people will be intrigued and come to visit the museum. To make room for the high ceilings, chandeliers, and other fixtures, the building is going to have to be relatively big. 

Documentary Response 3

St. Mary's Cathedral was absolutely breathtaking. We stopped by here just on our way out of Killarney and I am so glad we did. The famous architect Augustus Welby Pugin designed this lovely cathedral in 1842, although construction wasn't completed until 1855 because of the famine. It was designed in the Gothic Revival style. This is shown through the telltale spires, stained glass, lancet windows, and other various characteristics. There is something magical about being in a church with so much history. 

Although Blarney castle wasn't my favorite castle we have been to so far, I can appreciate its own individual architectural style. The current structure, which is in partial ruin, was built in 1446 by Cormac Ladir MacCarthy. Whew what a name. Since then, it has changed hands many times and now belongs to Sir Charles St John Colthurst. Going up the windy staircase was very tight which was exciting. One major problem I saw was that the kitchen was on the 5th floor. Kissing the Blarney Stone was good and it supposedly gives you the power of eloquence. That must be why me now talk good.

Even though we didn't get to go in or even get close, Lismore Castle got my full attention (which isn't easy). Castles are just too cool. Everybody needs their own castle. I guess then they wouldn't be special though. Anyways, it belongs to the Duke of Devonshire and its current structure was built around 1850 by William Cavendish. The space was originally used as an Abbey and throughout time several royals have stayed in the castle, which is now available to be rented. Sign me up. 

Assignment II

National 1798 Center

     This museum/center was very somber but very interesting. It focused on the 1798 rebellion, some of which happened in Enniscorthy (most notably because of the famous battle of Vinegar Hill). The center had several very well done hologram type displays which talked and made the experience much more interesting than just an informational video. My favorite part of the museum was a tree sculpture. Our guide told us it represented how the seed of rebellion was planted in America, grown in France, and harvested in Ireland. 

Vinegar Hill 

    This is the sight of the Battle of Vinegar Hill which was a part of the United Irishmen Rebellion. On June 21, 1798,  fifteen thousand British soldiers attacked the United Irishmen camp set up on Vinegar Hill (which included soldiers, men, women, and children). There was something haunting about the contrast between the light and jaunty personas of the tour guides and the horrifying realities of what happened directly where we were standing. I will admit it was difficult to remain mournful for too long because the view was stunning.

Johnstown Castle

     The beautiful castle and its gardens were built between 1810 and 1855. It was designed by Daniel Robertson, a skilled architect from Kilkenny, for the Grogan Morgan family. It was passed from and to hand for many years until it was donated to the Irish Nation in 1945. It is now a park and is available for weddings, which wouldn't be too shabby. The entire are was absolutely breathtaking. I love it when I get to explore a beautiful place at my leisure. Several statues were sprinkled intermitently around the grounds, which was very aesthetically pleasing for a sculpture lover like me. 

Documentary Response 1
     My first impression of Waterford was very positive. Coming in over the bridge and seeing the row of colored shops, pubs, and houses got me very excited for the coming weeks. It is not overly flashy or too urban which encourages me look closely at the simple beauty around every corner. Not to mention the weather differences, the distinctions between Georgia and Waterford cultures, scenery, and vibe are what really excites me. I can't wait to see more of the city and the country!

    We saw this beautiful dalmatic vestment in the Medieval Museum. They were made in 1480 in Florence, Italy which blows my mind. It is made out of gold thread, velvet, and silk. Religious figureheads wore them and they depict stories of Mary, Jesus, or both. The detail of the figures faces blew me away. The fact that someone so long ago was able to stitch so carefully WITH GOLD is astounding to me. It is even cooler that they found it in some chest that no one knew about. 

     This old beauty is Greyfriar's abbey. It was built around 1240 and was given to the friars because of several negotiations between the Pople, Luke Wadding, Hugh Percell, and Charles I. The final stipulation was that the friar's had to pray for him every day. The abbey changed hands several times and was at one point in time a Franciscan friary, church, home for the elderly, and a hospital. Although it is partially in ruin now, it is stunningly beautiful. 

     The Waterford Crystal company was founded in 1783 by George and William Penrose. Since then, the company has grown to be one of the most well known and respected crystal manufacturers in the world. Several famous trophies and cultural pieces were crafted there in including the college football championship trophy, the World Cup trophy, the People's Choice Award trophy, the Times Square New Years Eve ball, and several others. It was incredibly interesting to see the master crafters doing their work so up close and personal. Seeing the process from the blowing to the diamond-saw cutting was such an amazing experience. Knowing how much time, effort, and tedious skill goes into each piece really puts the value of the crystal into perspective.