Philadelphia Museum of Art

Late 15th Century Stained Glass

Selecting an object at the Philadelphia Museum of Art was very difficult, because there was so much to look at.  The PMA has art from a variety of genres and time periods.  I liked this 15th century stained glass piece because it could appeal to anyone in the Christian faith.  Everything about stained glass is impressive.  Stained glass is typically associated with churches and most commonly depicts biblical scenes.  This object would be important to most Christians, as well as people who are interested in religious studies.  The annunciation to the Virgin Mary (bottom two panels) is repeated throughout art history, by many different artists, in different generations.  It is on display because the images depicted are iconic and meaningfully representing faith.  In most cases religion is the reason for art.  Countries documented history and religion by painting, sculpting, and through many other art forms.        

I can only assume that this stained glass piece was acquired because it fit into the collection and greatly represented the era of art and architecture in Europe at the time it was created.  It seems that the room was designed for the stained glass, and is arranged as a church in 15th century Europe would be.  With the light shining through the glass, it really does make a person feel like they are in a holy place.  The point of view of the label is informative and describes the piece and the importance of art in religion during the middle ages.  The layout of the space and the other religious items found in the gallery, really do aid in understanding how people worshiped in the Medieval Period. 

Being raised in the Christian faith really does aid me in understanding the stories that are being portrayed on the stained glass.  Also, my background in art and art history helped me to identify the stories in the work.  People who have not learned about Christianity, art, or art history might not understand or relate to the works as much as those who have.  Nonreligious people might find this work to convey a very different type of meaning.  It could portray a history of people and how mankind uses religion to understand life, and instill morals in others.  It might not be as much of a spiritual experience to some, but more so about evolving culture throughout history.   

Besides the history of the work and culture of the 15th century, I believe that the stained glass could also be used as an example of a great art practice.  Students could learn how to make stained glass, and look to works like these for inspiration.  Very limited types of art are taught in schools today, if any, and I think that this practice would be very engaging and challenging for students of all ages.  Even if a person does not affiliate themselves with religion or Christianity, they can still appreciate the beauty of an art practice such as this.  

Eastern State Penitentiary Objection

Catholic Chaplain's Office Restoration.

The Catholic Chaplain's Office is located near the center of Eastern State Penitentiary.  An inmate by the name of Lester Smith painted several murals to demonstrate his faith.  This an example of an inmate that had a successful experience at the penitentiary, based on the original thought that inmates should repent and change their behaviors through experiences behind the walls. The murals are currently going under conservation and are closed off from the public.  Because the murals are an example of a success story that came from ESP, it is very important to me to learn about.  I was also interested in the story of the man who created them

Lester Smith signed the paintings "Paul Martin" in order to keep his identity a secret.  According to the story, his family did not even know that he had been arrested.  It is a really interesting story and it made me wonder what Lester had done to be admitted into the penitentiary.  Also, I was curious as to whether the man had a religious history before he went to Eastern State, or if it his faith had been entirely established during his sentence.  

The museum is dedicated to restoring these murals in order to show them to the public.  It is not yet open for the public, because the condition of the room, and the restoration project is not yet complete.  However, the museum does have a panel describing the project that is in process, and some pictures of the murals.  I personally chose this as my object because I have always had an interest in conservation and preservation.  Also, I am curious to know more about the religious practices that were held at Eastern State and how religion impacted the lives of the inmates.  It is also great to see that an inmate was practicing art while in prison.  Not only is religion a great release, but art can also help people get through tough times.  Lester was requested to paint the murals in the Chaplain's office because he had been found drawing on the walls of his cell.  

I would like to know what other inmates in the penitentiary felt about the painting, and other religious practices that were going on at the time.  There could be negative points of view, or positive, but either way it was a truly great success story of Eastern State. 

Favorite Object

Aluminum Puppies, 2011.

 

 

To some people these small aluminum puppies might not seem like a desirable piece of art to be displayed in one's living space.  The reason that I keep them displayed on the desk in my bedroom, is because they were a gift from my boyfriend, Eric, on our very first Valentine's Day.  In fact, I usually place them directly in front of a picture of Eric and me.  Receiving this gift meant a lot, because it suggested that Eric knew my interests, personality, and beliefs better than most others.

At first, my reaction to receiving the puppies was confusion.  I was not sure why Eric had decided to give me these little trinkets.  He then explained that he had made them from a mold in one of his engineering classes.  Of course, as an art student I completely appreciated the hand-made gift.  

The second reason that this gift appealed to me, was that they are puppies! Dogs are my favorite animal, which is a quality that is shared between Eric and me.  It was a complete coincidence, because part of my gift to him was a greeting card that had puppies on it, as if it were the theme of our day.

Not only was the gift hand-made and represented our similarities, it also could serve as a symbol of my way of thinking.  If you notice, one of the puppies is very clean and perfect.  The other puppy has flaws.  In art, the process of making something can be just as beautiful as the end result.  One step of production is evident in the flaws of the puppy.  In order for the puppy to have a smooth and perfect appearance, the creator has to sand away the blemishes that materialize during the heating and cooling process of the metal.  Eric knew that I would like to see evidence of how they were produced.

Being able to contrast the two characters is also something that I really appreciate.  I am a sucker for an underdog story and I try to find the beauty in everyone and everything.  The defects of the one puppy in contrast with the perfection of the other, can represent the differences that all beings have, and my desire to love them all.  When I expressed to Eric that I really liked the flawed puppy he simply claimed that he knew.

So, displaying these puppies is extremely important to me, because it serves as a reminder to look for the good in everyone and everything.  It represents the similarities in personality between Eric and me.  The puppies reflect on my background in art and my appreciation for the creating process.  And finally, it is a symbol of happy memories.