Past and Present
Having lived in London for three years prior to starting college, this Winter Term has been such an incredible experience for combining my past with the present. I suppose you could say I was unappreciative as a high school student in London, and that is something I may regret for a while. However, coming back with Eckerd students and Professor Gliem has given me a renewed (and fabulous) relationship with London. This trip has given me the chance to not only open my eyes to the rich culture and art that surrounds us each and everyday, but also to make up for lost time in this thriving city.
Something I have noticed and given thought to is the sense of autonomy I feel. As a group, we are given the space to learn and grow independently. As we navigate the tube, the winding streets of London, and Professor Gliem’s directions, our educational and experiential roads are growing as we test ourselves daily. Not only do we have to fend for ourselves, but to some extent, we have to make sure our group sticks together. The struggle to do so has only built strength as a group.
We recently returned from Paris where we had the chance to see the never-ending art in some of the most famous museums in the world. I had the chance to see one of my favorite Impressionist artists - Edgar Degas. I have always been fascinated by his concentration on ballerinas. In my eyes, Degas renders the feminine form in a way no other artist has accomplished. Rather than objectifying women or portraying them in the nude, Degas captures the graceful form of his subjects, as well as their character and emotion. Moreover, I was deeply impressed by his portraits. ‘The Bellilli Family’ portrait was particularly moving because of Degas’ tactful placement of objects and depiction of where his subjects are looking. There are so many ways to interpret the portrait, which almost forces you to stand there wondering about the family dynamic.
In addition to two-dimensional art, our eyes were opened to the Gothic architecture of Notre Dame de Paris and Chartres Cathedral. The towering spires and awe-inspiring stained glass in both churches captured the essence of the transcendental beauty architects strived for centuries ago. All in all, from the cobblestone streets to the Champs-Élysées, Paris is magnificent.
In comparing London and Paris, London feels a bit more discordant in terms of style and architecture. The contrast between new and old is felt heavily here, while the congruency in Paris is hard to forget. In noticing these differences, it is important to note just how much London was bombarded during World War II, and also realize the gentrification Paris went through in the mid-1800’s. Despite these differences, each city carries a character and personality that is equally unforgettable.
- Alli Fodor
