Museum Description- The theme of my museum is Perūrō, which means in Latin to “burn up or to be consumed by fire." The way it captivates the mind, the way the flames dance and breathe, and the pure strength of illuminating the darkness, but also a destroyer in ways. Fire means so many things to me personally. Since losing my house in the Thomas fire, I have learned that fire can take away so much but can also give back in many ways. Through this art exploration, one will gain a deeper appreciation for the role of fire in our lives, prompting them to regard it not just as a source of fear or destruction but as a profound and transformative element of beauty and growth.
Impact Statement- The beauty of fire—as an artist itself, is a force that paints the world with its fiery palette, encouraging us to reflect on the delicate balance between creation and destruction. This experience will take you through the different perspectives of your mind, allowing you to deepen your appreciation of the various artworks and the complex emotions that fire can evoke. From passion and desire to destruction and rebirth, each piece is designed to provoke introspection and an emotional connection to the feelings fire inspires, exploring themes of chaos, strength, and rebirth.
Chaos
The museum's initial phase presents chaos as a lens through which we can perceive beauty, highlighting both the physical and emotional aspects of destruction. This section also reflects on how fire, amidst the chaos, symbolizes hope for change and inspires growth.
1. Fire- Giuseppe Arcimboldo 2. Ladders Cross the Blue Sky in a Wheel of Fire- Joan Miro 3. Ear on Fire- Dana Schutz 4. Mountain on Fire- John Singer Sargent
Fire, Giuseppe Arcimboldo, 1566
I selected this piece for my museum due to its striking presence and the captivating depiction of fire as a human figure. This artwork conveys deep symbolism through its use of color and various forms, effectively capturing fire's power, chaos, and strength.
(Content). This art piece's subject matter is a portrait with characteristics of fire shown by the candle just below the head that makes up the neck. There is also an oil lamp that makes up the chin, a burned-out candle for the eye and logs on fire are used for the hair. Their use of the symbols with the wound fuse on the forehead, cannons for the chest, and fire irons for the ear and nose are part of a bigger story of the time of political and military power. (Subtext). The consistent characteristics in the form and content show the style of mannerist painters of the Renaissance.
Ladders Cross the Blue Sky in a Wheel of Fire, Joan Miro, 1953
Chaos isn’t the only one found in environments; it can also be in ourselves. This art piece conveys not a physical fire but a fire possibly in our heads or within ourselves. One’s interpretation can be different and emotional.
(Context). Artist Joan Miro chose this art form because he was intrigued by cave drawings and how their ancestors were drawn. The choice of the figures being in vivid flame-like colors, along with a ladder reaching the heavens, symbolizes a way to escape and to show his deep, valuable relationship with his creator. Miro suffered from depression that impacted him on and off his whole life, and art was an outlet for him to center himself. (Specific Context). In his artwork, Miro chose to use various star/ heavenly elements, organic shapes, and symbols, like in caves, for the viewer to explore the meaning for themselves subconsciously.
Ear on Fire, Dana Schutz, 2012
“Ear on Fire” represents chaos because of the unsettling discomfort and unease when others talk about you behind your back. Many cultures believe that your ear is connected to your soul, and it's in danger if someone talks about you.
(Form). “Ear on Fire” uses vivid orange color in the background, contrasting the warm colors of the portrait's skin and shades of cool blue-purple colors in the hair and the light blue, almost white shades of one of her cheeks. The artist uses organic lines to subtly outline the face and the lines that outline the hands. The flame has high-key lighting to show it is bright and to draw the eye to it. The flame is being used as a directional force due to its emotional intent of feeling like you are being talked about when you aren’t present. With vivid colors and portrayal of contemporary social issues within the portrait genre, we see the style of Neo-Expressionism in this art piece.
Mountain Fire, John Singer Sargent, 1903-1908
The Alpine mountains fall into this category due to their stunning chaos. Their gentle hues and blended edges demonstrate nature's power and intensity.
(Context). John Singer Sargent had a long career in portrait painting, but his real passion was landscapes. When working on a commissioned portrait, he would paint landscapes when he needed a break. As a child, Sargent was rambunctious and would look towards nature as his teacher; nature was his place of happiness, and he found the most comfort and inspiration in the mountains or in nature itself. (Specific Context). In this period (1903-1908), he saw high productivity in his commissioned portraits and took summer trips to visit his sister in the Swiss Alps, where he painted this alpine view landscape to take a much-needed break.
Strength
This secondary phase will demonstrate the strength and persuasiveness of fire. The mesmerizing dance of flames evokes a sense of wonder and intrigue, making it a powerful symbol in many cultures. Fire is a beacon, illuminating the darkness and guiding us through the unknown. The power of fire lies not just in its physical presence but in its ability to inspire and transform.
1. Danseuse Flamme- Boleslas Biegas 2. Firebird (Nietzschean Complex) - Victor Brauner 3. Barthelemi Undergoing the Ordeal of Fire- Gustave Dore 4. Moving Towards Fire- Betty Goodwin
Danseuse Flamme, Boleslas Biegas, 1907
For the initial art piece in the strength category, I selected a sculpture of a fire dancer. She is cloaked in flames yet radiates both beauty and strength, serving as a powerful symbol of perseverance and determination.
(Form). This sculpture's medium is bronze. Bronze is an alloy consisting mainly of copper, with less tin, zinc, and lead. The style of this sculpture is symbolism, with its use of physical form to convey a deeper meaning or message. The woman, a fire dancer, is wearing a cloak of flames, which has the real texture of smoothness and roughness. Curving lines make up her body, along with the shape of the cloak she is wearing. This sculpture exists in real space.
Firebird (Nietzschean complex), Victor Brauner, 1959
The piece's title, "Nietzschean Complex," refers to the philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, who believed that individuals should define their values and strive to reach their fullest potential. The firebird is a powerful symbol of renewal and transformation, embodying themes of strength and growth.
(Form). This piece is in the style of Surrealism, which emphasizes content and free form. The firebird comprises bold primary colors of red and yellow and the secondary color of green borders the image. The piece is balanced with symmetry, with both sides of the firebird being the same or having minimal difference. The firebird shape is geometric, with a clear feeling that it is man-made and not from nature. In contrast to the background, the man figure stands out, but in contrast to the firebird, it does not.
Barthelemi Undergoing the Ordeal of Fire, Gustave Dore, XIX Cent.
The experience of facing fire symbolizes strength, not just for those who stay true to their values, but also as an illustration of the effort to prove oneself and emerge from the ashes.
(Content). The image first shows the subject matter of Peter Bartholomew, a French soldier and mystic who participated in the First Crusade. Peter’s reputation was tarnished by what some thought him to be a false prophet. To prove himself, Peter went through the ordeal of fire by his own will to try to prove himself. We see this in the picture with Peter in the flames, holding the spear that most thought was a fake gift from God. (Subtext). Many soldiers surround him to know if he is telling the truth. The ordeal of fire is a symbol of guilt or non-guilty. If you were innocent, you would come out of the trial uninjured because that would be God’s will. Peter looks unfazed by the flames and stands confidently in the fire.
Moving Towards Fire, Betty Goodwin, 1983
Fire can mean many different things to different people. "Moving Towards Fire" is an example of possible silent battles we fight within ourselves—the movement of closure and self-identity that comes with strength.
(Form). In contrast to the warm skin tone in the background, the vivid orange color on the body draws the eye to the figure swimming to the bottom of the painting. The use of color layering gives the implied feel of texture. There is a feeling of unbalance within the art piece because of the asymmetry of where the swimmer is in relation to the space around it. The visual line of the back of the body catches your eye, allowing you to follow across the body, which adds to the body's movement. The curving of the organic lines on the hips and shoulders also catches your eye.
Rebirth
In the final phase, we explore the themes of rebirth and acceptance of change. The art pieces skillfully use various techniques to evoke deep emotions, portraying the emergence from ashes and the despair tied to death. This journey emphasizes the power of surrendering to chaos, revealing strength and the promise of renewal.
1. Old Woman Stretching Out Her Hands to the Fire- Pablo Picasso 2. Death and Fire- Paul Klee 3. Witches Spitting Fire- Joseph Beuys 4. Phoenix- Josignacio
Old Woman Stretching Out Her Hands to the Fire, Pablo Picasso, 1903
The initial artwork in this category of rebirth is "Old Woman Stretching Out Her Hands to the Fire." This piece evokes deep feelings of despair and vulnerability, both of which are crucial for rebirth and personal growth.
(Content). This art piece's subject matter is an older nude woman who looks weary and vulnerable while she reaches out to the unseen fire. We see the signs of aging in her skin texture and thin, worn expression. One subtext of this image is the unseen fire symbolizing youth and joy. The old woman is mentally trying to regain a healthy body and mind; her despair might be in her mind. The form used in this artwork includes subdued colors and tones of blue, adding to the mood of hopelessness and coldness. The way Picasso uses low lights to bring darkness and shadows to the woman adds to the somber and disparate mood.
Death and Fire, Paul Klee, 1940
Death offers a chance for renewal, which makes this art piece a great addition to the category of rebirth. Fire is a powerful symbol, signifying a new beginning, the journey toward spiritual awakening, and one 's journey to the afterlife.
(Context). Paul Klee, born in 1879 and passing away in 1940, created his abstract painting “Death and Fire” in the same year as his death. Throughout his later life, Klee battled scleroderma, a struggle that ultimately claimed his life, and his pain came through in many of his last works that explored themes of grief, resilience, and acceptance. (Specific Context). In “Death and Fire,” he employs lighter colors at the bottom of the canvas, gradually transitioning to darker shades at the top to reflect his shifting emotions. This artistic choice conveys a sense of optimism contrasted with a more somber, realistic outlook on his fate.
Witches Spitting Fire, Joseph Beuys, 1959
I chose to include this piece because it powerfully symbolizes themes of strength and rebirth amidst the forces seeking to destroy us. The witches, embodying resilience, engage passionately with the flames used against them.
(Form). This artwork is an excellent example of chiaroscuro. The brighter highlights of the witches stand out against the dark flames, creating contrasting dark, warm colors. Hints of lighter brown shades in the fire and colder white used for the witches add depth, giving a feeling of warmth. The witches draw your eye through directional force, and the artwork employs an intuitive perspective, making us feel a connection despite its lack of realism. The space is implied with two-dimensional figures and lacks the key elements to achieve three dimensions. The scene lacks depth yet has a unified balance, with unique figures presented similarly in pose and attire.
Phoenix, Josignacio, XX Cent.
The "Phoenix" is a great example to end this category of rebirth with. The phoenix rises from the ashes of the fire, new and reborn. It symbolizes healing and one's eternal fire to persevere through chaos and destruction.
(Form). In the “Phoenix,” we see bold outlines and enclosed lines that make up some shapes. Organic shapes are used in the details of the feathers, and there are geometric shapes that don’t seem natural on the side of the phoenix. Bold and vibrant colors of yellows, oranges, blues, and greens are used throughout the body and wings of the phoenix. The phoenix's wings are spread outward along with the colors, which gives the sense of flight. The body is highlighted with an intense white in contrast to the colors around it, drawing your attention to the phoenix and making it the focal point. To achieve the intense colors, the artist uses “Plastic Paint Medium,” which uses plastic resin to create layers and almost to bring his art piece to life.
Exit Message- As you finish visiting my museum, I hope you remember the ideas of hope, beauty, and rebirth. Fire possesses a unique duality; it has the power to destroy while simultaneously offering opportunities for renewal. Each artwork in the museum shows different views and helps you appreciate the complex feelings that fire can bring. These pieces invited you to reflect and connect with the powerful emotions inspired by fire, highlighting chaos, strength, and rebirth. I encourage everyone to embrace the Perūrō statement, which invites you to be consumed by the fire and explore the possibilities it brings. Thank you for being part of this journey.