My Visit to the Burchfield Penney Art Center of Buffalo, NY
Step 1: The Exhibition
Questions about the exhibit:
Marilyn
The Douglas Kirkland Photoshoot
The theme of this exhibition are photographs taken of Marilyn Monroe during a photoshoot she had with Douglas Kirkland. One thing I loved about this exhibit was the fact that not only were the photos of Marilyn displayed they also displayed photos of Douglas Kirkland capturing the photoshoot.
Step 2: The Gallery
Questions about the physical space:
1. What type of lighting is used?
The Burchfield Penney Art Center uses a mix of natural light, through the use of sky lights and the windows in the gallery, and artificial lighting. The artificial lighting is subtle not overwhelming or too bright.
2. What colors are used on the walls?
The majority of the walls in the gallery are white, there were also some black and grey walls.
3. What materials are used in the interior artchitecture of the space?
Materials that are used in the gallery are drywall for the walls, creating a soft space throughout. Wood and glass are used in some of the display cases. The wood is a light colored wood, possibly oak. The floors are also light wooden material.
4. How is the movement of the viewer through the gallery space? The gallery has an open floor plan, this gently leads the viewer through the gallery and into the next space or exhibit. There is a pair of staircases, one in the foyer the other at the back endof the gallery, they are wide and open, which also gently guides you to the next level of the gallery.
(This pic was taken from the Burchfield website)
Step 3: The Artwork
Questions about the artwork:
1. How are the artworks organized?
The artworks are organized by exhibits within the different galleries in the building. Here is a link to the Burchfield Penney Layout
2. How are the artrworks similar?
I would say with the exception of two of the exhibits there was a muted color theme throughout the gallery, including the pieces of art displayed. Many of the paintings had a monochromatic theme. The majority of color was seen in the Shasti O'Leary Soudant Let There Be Light Installation & Suspended Motion: Sculptures and Watercolor by Ellen Steinfeld.
3. How are the artworks different?
The artworks are different in that they are from a variety of artists with varying styles, a variety of media and variety of sizes in the artworks.
4. How are the artworks framed?
The framed pieces vary from traditional decorative large wooden frames to a minimalist simple black frame.
5. How are the artworks identified and labeled?
The artworks are identified and labeled by using a vinyl label usually to the right of the piece. The black font is simple and unassuming.
6. What is the proximity of the artwork to each other?The proximity of the artwork is relatively close to each other. The gallery maximizes its space while not appearing cluttered.
Step 4: Art Criticism Exercise
Title: Marilyn Monroe Photograph from his Photoshoot for Look Magazine's 25th anniversary cover
Media: Photograph
Date: 1961
Size: 40"x 60"
In this photograph, Marilyn is shot as she is peering over the side of the bed. Shot in color, but the majority of the picture is muted tones of white, grey or silver. This photograph uses the emphasis element by displaying her face almost in the center and is the predominant feature of this photograph. The use of a bed is a metaphor for her sex symbol status. I feel that photographer was intending to show Marilyn in a different way than she had ever been seen, innocent and shy but still loaded with sex appeal as was her trademark of the time. By taking away the perfect hair, makeup and wardrobe we are able to get a glimpse into the soul of a beautiful icon.
Artist: Ben Perrone
Title: Illusion/Delusion
Media: black paper bags and monofilament
Date: 2009
Size: 252 x 252 x 252 inches
In this massive installation piece, we see black paper bags strung together by monofilament. It is in the shape of an upside down pyramid. This piece uses the elements and principals of space by its use of equal space between bags and its use of negative space between each bag, monochromatic color and asymmetrical balance. The bags are meant to refer to a serviceman or woman whom has died in the Iraq War, body bags if you will. Before I watched the video that is displayed to explain the meaning of the piece, I thought its meaning was that life is dwindling away each day. When I saw that the artist meant this piece to be a protest of war I was truly moved. I looked at the piece with all new respect and reverence. To see all those bags as lives lost, very profound.
Title: The White Fan
Media: oil on canvas
Date: 1940
Size: 48 ¼ x 34 ¼ inches (Frame: 52 1/8 x 38 14 x 2 5/16 inches)
This is an oil painting with soft white tones of a woman, possibly on her wedding day. The main element I see displayed here is the optical effects of color, using the white and light blues add to the drama of the piece and the emphasis on the woman posing for this portrait. Scale and proportion is also used, the proportion of the woman is normal and the scale of the fan is large to emphasize the grandeur of the day. I think the artist is portraying the woman as she is preparing for her wedding day, the look of apprehension and nervousness on her face is beautiful.
Step 5: Document Your Visit
What did you think of visiting the Gallery and purposefully looking at the exhibition from a different perspective - the physical space, the architecture, theme, etc.?
I absolutely loved my visit at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, it was my first visit, but will certainly not be my last. I was so excited to see the Marilyn exhibit, I have always found her life intriguing and it was wonderful to see this side of her. I also had a lot of fun in the Shasti O'Leary Soudant exhibit. You are able to play with the art and that was quite fun, there was a large scale lite brite, an wall with bright colors that you could walk in front of and see your shadow, I took the opportunity to take this neat shot!
Another great part about my visit was that it was FREE!! Admission is free for Buffalo State students and faculty.
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