Blanton Muesum

Our class visited the Blanton Art Museum in search of leadership traits in the artists and their work. There are many artists there that are well-known but they all have different backgrounds. Cildo Mireles is definitely my favorite artist there with his amazing political work. Antonio Berni reintroduced the human figure as a form of criticism. These artists all convey something different through their work. “Color and shape help architects and designers speak to the public in a language they understand, either consciously or subconsciously” (Reading Public Space, 229).

My favorite piece of art is definitely “How to Build Cathedrals” by Cildo Mireles. It is just so amazing to see all those pennies fill the box on the ground and the line of hosts leading up to cow femurs on the top. I thought it was cool! It is supposed to represent how the Church uses money to promote religion. This really spoke to me because I am Catholic and sometimes I do think that the Church promotes giving money too much. If you don’t have money to give, you shouldn’t be punished for it. I admire his strength and confidence to do something so controversial like that.

Another artist I noticed was Antonio Berni from Argentina. He focused on urban life and human experience through marginalized characters. I love his work. It seems so simple but when you look at it closer, it tells you so much more. He created two fictional subjects for his works from the slums, Juanito Laguna and Ramona Montiel. It’s genius to create fictional figures for the basis of your work. I really enjoyed his prints that were apparent in the museum. He stepped forward through his work to discuss social and political issues which I admire.

I had already visited the museum before but this time I was able to pay more attention the artists and their reasons for their work. “Art resonates with us in ways other media don’t and perhaps can’t” (Reading the Visual Arts, 232). I really enjoyed this trip. I appreciate art so much more now. I admire the artists and their ability to convey such information to make you think about what is going on around you. You have “to try to pay attention to what the painting or photo evokes” (Reading the Visual Arts, 232). I hope that through my work and career, I will be able to help someone and get my point across.