1. Critique the logo
Is this just a typeface?
After viewing the collection, would you propose a different typeface or a symbol?
Yes, I think it is rather obvious that this title is simply a typeface. Although it is not an ugly logo to observe, it is also not very memorable. This is due to the fact, in my opinion, that both words “National” and “Gallery” get pretty equal attention and are both displayed in the exact same way. Perhaps there logo could involve simply the first letters “N” and “G” in some way, or more attention could be given to the word “National”. Another idea would be to use the unique position of the museum’s location within
Trafalgar Square , by perhaps including the four pillars of the Square within the title. This would associate the logo with a specific area making it more memorable.
Trafalgar Square
2. van Gogh
In your opinion, do the van Gogh paintings live up to their position in art history? Feel free to discuss: line quality, gestural brushwork, color, mood, subject matter, etc. You may also feel free to compare and contrast two van Gogh paintings (to elaborate on your level of engagement).
Although I do not think the subject matter of many of the van Gogh paintings depart from what was painted at the time (natural scenery, still life of household objects, self portraits, etc.), his interpretation of these subjects is entirely different. The picture above is a great illustration of this innovative spirit. One of the most prominent things to notice is his novel use of color and brushwork. Notice how he uses bold color differences to highlight borders of objects, and how there is no smooth transition within an object from color to shadow. Rather, any shadows on an object are just bold black strokes.
This particular use of color serves a critical purpose: it highlights each stroke, helping the viewer to pay a vast amount of attention to the brushstrokes used rather than the colors themselves. Thus we are allowed to see the true mood of the painting. We see that with this new technique of highlighting stroke, van Gogh can simulate a windy day simply by curling these strokes through the clouds, or making the lines within a tree non-linear. In this way, the whole mood takes on a more tangible feel, and is a prime reason why van Gogh definitely deserves his place in history.
3. Object of Desire
What object from the collection would be suitable for your future home? Describe the characteristics that make this both a desirable work of art –and suitable for your future penthouse, cottage, log cabin, trailer… Please provide artist name and title.
Usually I rely on my camera to take pictures of the object and to remember the name of it, but they didn’t allow pictures in the camera. However, they had this beautiful golden chest, about six foot in length, that would be perfect for a future bachelor’s penthouse. I would insulate the inner lining of it, install plumbing, and turn it into a hot tub. Naturally I would call it my Chill Chest. The Chill Chest would be great for my “game”. It solves two purposes. Not only can a woman be looking at amazing art while sitting in a hot tub, but the small size of it guarantees that we’d have to be very close to one another while sitting down in it, allowing me to tactically escalate the romance in any dinner date.
4. Gallery / Display
The National Gallery has the brightest palette of wall color thus far from our museum visits. Do these colors enhance or interfere from the displays? Do you prefer the minimal palette of the Tate Modern in comparison?
I don’t necessarily think it would be fair to compare the Tate Modern and the National Gallery in the same way. Yes, they both have drastically different color palettes of wall color. However, each works to the advantage of its unique collection. For example, I believe some of the beauty of modern art lies within its relative mundanity/bleakness, which is inevitably reflected in the blank white walls. The National Gallery, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. The colors of course are brighter and more vibrant, but this simply reflects and enhances the same mood we find within the gallery itself. In both cases, the collection fits naturally within the surroundings.
5. Exploitation / Merchandising?
Does the use of objects from the collection to create merchandise such as handbags, umbrellas, and t-shirts diminish the original work of art? Are certain forms of merchandising more acceptable –and if so what are those forms –postcards and posters?
I can understand why someone would take this position. I, however, don’t believe that the art is being exploited. There’s a general opinion that this art is elite and made to sit there so we can come through in lines and view them and consider them. But art wasn’t made to be locked away. Expressing a van Gogh piece on your handbag is just as interesting to me as a poster hanging up in one’s room. Art is cultural, not meant to be locked away. In my opinion, the more people with cheap but artful handbags, the better.
6. Object of appreciation
Provide a short description of your favorite object from the collections? Please provide label information such as name, date, origin, etc. Why would you return to this object for greater contemplation?
Although I couldn’t decide on just one piece, I think that the collective works of van Gogh that they displayed were truly my favorite pieces. For reasons that I explained in the second question, I feel that van Gogh is undoubtedly one of the most innovative artists of recent history. His use of stroke created an entirely new way to make pictures innovative, allowing him to express movement as if it was actually happening across the canvas. This, in my opinion, is pure genius, and has provided a whole new level of experience in his art.