Pictured above: "Guernica" by Pablo Picasso serves as a perfect introduction symbolizing the horrors of was and resilience of humanity through his choice of bold strokes and haunting imagery.
the power of expression
Art has always been a very profound tool that has helped capture the human experience, the emotions we experience and an amazing tool in the face of societal challenges. In this space I invite you to explore how certain artist use their creativity to not only express themselves, but also respond to moments of crisis, demand justice and show their vision for a better future.
MUSEUM DESCRIPTION:
The theme I have chosen for my museum is Art and Social Change. This theme has importance to me because whether I was aware of it or not, art was always a super powerful tool for me to be able to express resilience, hope and social transformation. To be more in depth, I wanted to choose this theme to explore creativity and activism which showcases how different artists use tools from different cultures and time periods to express problems like inequality and human rights. I plan to have this museum to include a diverse range of pictures of painting, sculptures and different photography.
IMPACT STATEMENT
Personally, I want my museum to leave a long lasting impression on all of the visitors. I want the visitors to have a challenging perspective which inspires them to think critically about not only the images around them but as well as the world around them. I want them to look at the art and then step outside into their lives and see the art as they live. I believe that is the most important part of developing a museum is the culture around it.
ROOM 1: CHRONICLING INJUSTICE
This room explores how certain artists are able to highlight societal inequities and bring injustices to the forefront using creative artforms. From depictions of war to racial and gender inequality, these serve as a great remembrance of what art can do.
The Problem We All Live With" by Norman Rockwell (1964)
This iconic painting depicts a young African-American woman, Ruby Bridges, being escorted to school by federal marshals during desegregation. The contrast in this painting between Ruby's innocence and the graffiti wall underscores the tension during this time and through the Civil Rights Movement.
Rockwell created this piece to bring national attention to the children facing systemic racism. This piece of art is best analyzed through Context because of its connection to the civil rights movement and its critique of racial inequality.
"Massacre in Korea" by Pablo Picasso (1951)
In this painting Picasso is able to capture the horror of civilians being massacred during the Korean War. The figures of the people are distorted and they can be seen as malnourished and scared, emphasizing the loss of innocence during this time.
Picasso's art style is very angular and stark, drawing a focus to the raw emotion of the scene. This piece of art is best analyzed through Content because of the honest commentary on the brutality of war and how it impacts innocent civilians.
"The Third of May 1808" by Francisco Goya (1814)
This painting depicts the execution of Spanish civilians by the French troops. Goya uses very dramatic lighting to highlight the victims humanity in contrast to the faceless hooded executioners.
The painting serves as a powerful allegory for the inhumanity of war and resistance. This piece of art is best analyzed through Content because of its powerful depiction of human suffering and the horrors that can go on during wars.
Banksy - "Sweeping It Under the Carpet" (2006)
This piece from banksy depicts a maid lifting up a curtain of "wallpaper" to sweep the dirt underneath which is revealed to be bricks. This symbolizes society's tendency to conceal issues instead of addressing them.
Banksy uses the image of a maid to illustrate how systemic problems like inequality or environmental concerns are often swept away and not addressed head on. This piece of art is best analyzed through Content due to its symbolic depiction of societal denial of truth.
Room 2: Voices of Resistance
This room celebrates the resilience of individuals and communities as captured in art. These works are a call to action and show the true human strength in the face of adversity.
"Untitled (I Am a Man)" by Glenn Ligon (1988)
Inspired by the Memphis Sanitation Worker's Strike, this artwork feature the phrase "I Am A Man" in bold black and white reflecting their resilience in their fight for civil rights.
The stark typography emphasizes clarity and strength. This bold font is very timeless as well, servings its purpose beautifully. This piece of art is best analyzed through Form due to its visual simplicity and its powerful use of typography.
"Stop Telling Women to Smile" by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh (2020)
A street art series addressing street harassment with features a variety of different portraits of women with confrontational text fighting against sexism.
By combining the personal narratives with public spaces, Fazlalizadeh was able to transform everyday walls that the public sees into platforms for activism. This piece of art is best analyzed through content due to its direct and confrontational message about gender inequality.
"Street Story Quilt" by Faith Ringgold (1985)
This image features a vibrant quilt narrating the stories of several African-American communities in Harlem, which blended traditional craft with social issues at the time.
Ringgold uses quilting, a historically undervalued trade to elevate the voices of marginalized communities in Harlem. This piece of art is best analyzed through Content due to its narrative focus and thematic exploration of the community and its resilience.
"No Woman, No Cry" by Chris Ofili (1998)
This image features a layered, mixed-media portrait of a grieving woman referencing tot he tragic death of Stephen Lawrence, who was a Black teenager killed in a racist attack in London.
Ofili uses very intricate textures and symbolism to communicate deep sorrow and resilience int o the image, while also incorporating cultural references to amplify the message. This piece of art is best analyzed through Context because of its deep connection to the situation at hand.
Room 3: Imagining a Better World
This room focuses on the transformative power of hope and creativity, envisioning a more just society.
"We the People" by Shepard Fairey (2017)
Fairey's use of bold and graphic design elements such as the high contrast colors, flat planes and clear outlines creates a very striking image. The color scheme represents the USA alluding to what its symbolic of, unity and patriotism.
The simplicity of this piece of art allows the artwork's message of inclusivity and strength to resonate very clearly with the viewer. The emotional impact in this lies in the direct eye impact of the subjects. This piece of art is best analyzed through Content due to its focus on the symbolic meaning.
"Sugar Children" by Vik Muniz(1996)
Muniz employs an unconventional brush: sugar granules. These granules are arranged to create very delicate, photorealistic portraits of children from Saint Kitts. The texture of the sugar adds a tactile quality to the work which contrasts the sweetness of the material along with the themes of exploitation and labor.
The sugar's visual appeal ties to the history of colonial exploitation which creates a very interesting commentary. Muniz's very impressive technique and choice of material transforms this substance into a super powerful metaphor for systemic inequality. Overall, this piece of art is best analyzed through its Form due to its innovative use of materials and visuals.
"The Dinner Party" by Judy Chicago (1974)
The mixed-media installation takes the form of a triangular table which symbolizes both equality and unity. The table features 39 intricately designed place settings with each represent a significant woman in history. The materials include ceramics, textiles and embroidery.
Chicago uses the act of dining as a metaphor for inclusion and recognition. The details in each place allows viewers to reflect on the contributions of these women while the table format implies a hierarchy. This piece of art is best analyzed through context.
"Hunger" by Joyce J. Scott (1991)
Scott's use of glass beads metal and thread to create a necklace transforms a functional object into a narrative piece of art. The arrangement of the beads forms skeletal figures with photographic elements which create a very layered viewing experience.
The deliberate use of beads elevates this work into 'fine art' which amplifies the emotional aspect of the piece. By incorporating skeletal figures, Scott critiques societal complacency towards famine and suffering which creates a haunting view on the reminder that there are still people starving in the current day. Overall, hunger is best analyzed through Form and Content due to Scott's choice in materials and skeletal figures.
EXIT MESSAGE
Thank you for visiting my museum, I believe art has the power to transform lost of minds and societies. I hope that this museum has opened your mind up at least a little bit to see the world differently. It is important to think critically and to engage actively with the issues that matter to you most. Take the reslience, hope and courage displayed here and carry it with your daily life.