High Museum Paper

The High Museum of Art
Kelly Meeks
June 17, 2007

While touring The High Museum of Art, I tried to have an open mind. Interpreting and appreciating most of the art for my self was simple. Other works of art were more difficult for me to understand and interpret.
Life in the South by Eastman Johnson was my favorite work of art. This piece spoke to me because it reflects the truth of the old south. This work is oil on canvas and was painted in 1870. It is located in the American Art Gallery in the Stent Family Wing.
A work that I liked but would not take home is Revival Meeting by Benny Andrews. This work is oil and collage on canvas and was created in 1994. It is displayed in the Art of the South Gallery. This work reminds me of the old country church that I grew up in. However, I would not like it hanging in my home, so I would not take it home with me.
The work that taught me something that I did not know was not a painting. It was the Medal Cabinet of King Louis XIV. Before experiencing the audio and visual tour of the Louvre Atlanta, I did not know that kings collected coins for so many different reasons such as battle victories. This was very interesting to see and learn about.
Strung Out by Benny Andrews was a work of art that made me feel sad. Mr. Andrews created this work in 1971. It is oil, fabric collage on canvas. The work made me think of the many people that have ruined their lives with drugs. There is no reasoning behind this and thinking of it made me feel sad. It is hanging in the American Art Gallery.
Nicolas Tournier’s work, The Denial of St. Peter, is the work that I chose to identify a historic moment in time. Tournier created this work in 1630 and is oil on canvas. This painting is a beautiful work that represents a moment in biblical times. It hangs in the European Art Gallery.
George Bellow’s work, Portrait of Anne, is oil on canvas and was painted in 1915. The little girl in the portrait reminds me of a little girl named Kelsey. Her parents are close friends of my family; I thought of her as soon as I saw the painting. It is hanging in the American Art Gallery.
The work that shocked me the most was Dead Man in the Mud by Otto Dix. It is an etching and aquatint on paper. Mr. Dix created this work in 1924. This work represents death and despair. Although I do not know anything about Otto Dix, the art work shows me an artist that is disturbed. My first thought was, “Why would anyone create that?”
The Folk Art Gallery is one that I did not enjoy. Walking through the rest of the gallery, I loved the paintings, glasswork, and furniture. These creations require in depth skill. The folk art gallery does not display art to me. Anyone could create the artwork there. My children could do better. Maybe I did not like it because you cannot easily see the artists’ meaning. Much of the work looks like junk. The hanging religious bicycle is something that I looked at and just thought, “Why?”
There was only one work in the Contemporary Gallery that I enjoyed. It was a huge round piece of colorful glass that incorporated a clock. Other than that, I did not enjoy it at all. Most of it I do not even consider art. There was a huge canvas that was painted black, and it only has a bright red stripe at the bottom. Anyone could paint that, and I cannot understand why it is hanging in a museum. Understanding contemporary art is difficult for me, and I do not care for it. It just doesn’t suit my tastes.
My husband took me to the High, and we went to dinner afterwards. Spending this time without children was great for my husband and me. The American and European Art Galleries, Renaissance, and sculptures were enjoyable. Neither of us understood the folk and contemporary art and would have preferred to skip it. The most meaningful experience was the Kings as Collectors at the Louvre Atlanta. This exhibit was one that my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed. The audio headsets made it an educational experience. Although I did not enjoy parts of The High Museum, I would take my students there on a field trip. My students my not share my feelings, and I feel that all students should have a chance to interpret art for themselves as I did.