Cheers to That Mate
In the past couple of weeks, our group has managed to average almost two museums per day. However, because of our busy schedule, my sleeping habits have been completely thrown off, I’ve gotten lost on many occasions, been late to meetings, burnt my arm, lost feeling in one of my toes and enjoyed every moment of this trip. I have been able to see many works ranging from world famous pieces like Van Gough’s Sunflowers or Leonardo de Vinci’s Mona Lisa to unknown modern artworks like Jawlensky’s Blue Cap and Matisse’s Woman in a Kimono. Though our days have been busy and much of the art I have seen from the twelve or so museums we’ve visited seem to all blur together, I’ve come to realize that the experiences I have had while participating in this trip might be more important to me. Even as a dual major in marine biology and mathematics, I’ve always had a secret passion for art. Because of that desire to keep art a part of my life, I’ve studied famous artworks and art history on the side. After traveling to see paintings referred to in my textbooks, I can honestly say there is no feeling quite like the one you get when you stand in front of the original life-size version.
Going off the idea of experiences from this trip, one that caught me by surprise was when I saw the painting, Luncheon on the Grass by Manet in person. Recently in Western Heritage, my class had studied that very painting and read about all it’s flaws and why critics hated it for years. I remember causally glancing at the piece in class and thinking it was (compositionally wise) a disaster. Nonetheless, when I stood in front of the original painting, its scale and beauty were unforgettable. I couldn’t understand why this one painting that I had hated before now swept me off my feet and completely captured my interest. I’m not sure I could ever pin point one true reason why I had such a change of heart, what I do know is that I could never have that type of experience from any of the textbooks I’ve studied in class. After my encounter with Luncheon on the Grass, I have a newly acclaimed love for Manet and his controversial works. Surprisingly, impressionism has been my favorite art to see in person. I am assuming this is because the great detail used in impressionism can be seen best in each individual brush stroke.
As this trip is slowly coming to a closure, it is now quite clear that studying with a close group of students has added another aspect and dynamic to my learning process while in London and Paris. Instead of absorbing knowledge by myself, I’ve had the company of others to share and experience both cities’ cultures. I am truly grateful that I had the chance to view various artworks in their own element; rather than pasted within some flat description. This group experience has been unique and a once in a lifetime opportunity that I am so appreciative to be a part of. So, CHEERS TO THAT MATE!
-Amanda Sosnowski
Shout out to: Meg, Shea, Ally, Court, Courtney, Katie, Kara, Mum and Pops, “London Paarties”, and Smokin’ a pancake. Love you all.
If you were wondering the time… it’s Snack box ‘o clock.
