Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
Huge thanks to Cie who gave me this wonderful Sunday Selections image.
The meme was then continued by River at Drifting through life. Sadly she has now stepped aside (though she will join us some weeks), and I have accepted the mantle.
The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to me. Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen.
I usually run with a theme. This week I am returning to our National Art Gallery. In my post about the Monet exhibition I said that we would go back to see the Contemporary Worlds: Indonesia exhibition. We did.
I also mentioned that I often find contemporary art difficult for a variety of reasons. I still do (not least on this visit because I am very sketchy on Indonesian history and culture), but am (of course) glad we went.
Here are some of the images which spoke loudest to me.
This piece stands just outside the entrance to the exhibition. The final shots were details from the plinth on which it stood.
This next one, being constructed of plastic waste, struck home.
It is by Tita Salina and is titled the 1001st island - the most sustainable island in the archipelago. Ouch.
This one is by Entang Wihaso and is called Temple of hope: Door to Nirvana.
I found these by Eko Nugroho intriguing - and the second distressing.
Brilliant splashes of colour and whimsy.
Most of the gallery is free to enter so after we had wandered through this exhibition we explored some other areas. The work on display changes regularly and there is ALWAYS something to marvel at, and/or to ponder.
These came from the Maori Markings: Ta Moko exhibit. And I winced.
Another example of Contemporary Art which doesn't speak to me. Yayoi Kusama's The Spirits of the Pumpkins descended into the Heaven was an installation rather than a piece. Five people at a time are allowed in, and I found it claustrophobic and didn't understand (or appreciate it).
I loved the Tiffany dragon fly lamp.
I did smile at this bumper sticker from a car parked near ours.
The Gallery is a wonderful place. Like or loathe the pieces on display I always love our visits.
Wow, I am early for a change! Nice displays, mostly, and I appreciated your pictures and commentary on the whole bunch. I like that dragonfly, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteDJan: There were quite a number of Tiffany lamps, and all of them were beautiful.
DeleteI am second! :))
ReplyDeleteI liked most of the exhibits.
Thanks for sharing with us.
:))
Caterina: You are indeed. I found lots of things to wonder at. Some I liked, some I loved, some were beyond me.
DeleteLoved the puppets in that early boat! The puppetry is about all I am familiar with.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think you'd have winced even more in the old days of Maori moko - the they used a sharp shell!
dinahmow: I assumed that early practioners of the art did use a flint or a sharp shell. Definitely not for my wimpy self.
DeleteAgree about the boats. These fruit-looking displays are very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteJamie Ghione: They were weren't they? I am very sorry that my ignorance of the artist's culture reduced my understanding - but lovely the vibrance of the colours and shapes.
DeleteI loved most of these for the sheer variety although Kusama's installation did nothing for me either. The dots were very hard on my eyes. I hope you were happy this week!
ReplyDeletee: That vivid colour and the dots was incredibly oppressive inside the installation. I really couldn't stay in it for long - and found it disorientating.
DeleteI love the dragonfly on the lamp too. We recently took a tour in St. Augustine, Florida and they said Henry Flagler commissioned Tiffany before he was famous to make windows in his college. Those windows are now worth over a million dollars a piece. Not too surprising, Flagler seemed to have a knack for picking the best.
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: I am so often blown away artists in glass. And would love to see those windows.
DeleteA very interesting, diverse group...thanks for sharing, EC.
ReplyDeleteHave yourself a great week...cuddles to your cuddly furry one...Jazz. :)
Lee: There is a heap of diversity in the gallery - for which I am grateful.
DeleteAnother busy week ahead. I hope you and your furry overlords have a beauty.
Worthwhile visit, I'd say! Very enjoyable to be with you, S
ReplyDeleteCloudia: Every visit to the gallery is worthwhile. Glad to have your company.
DeleteAstounding. Such diversity. The trash construction was horrifying.
ReplyDeleteSusan Kane: Wasn't it? While we were there there was a small group of school children being shown through the gallery. The teacher/docent with them asked them whether they thought they would produce that much waste in a year, and went on to say that most families do. Which hit home.
DeleteDear EC
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your visit with us. We have created a horrifying problem thanks to not disposing of plastics in a better way. I am sure we will be judged by future generations. However, there is still beauty to be celebrated and nurtured.
The word 'installation' with regards to art always makes me a little nervous...I agree about the spots.
Best wishes
Ellie
Ellie Foster: I have seen some installations I loved. And some I loathed. It is certainly a term which provokes mixed feelings for me always.
DeleteIsn't it sad that the plastic waste piece crossed culture and language so easily?
Some interesting pieces, and while it was not always easy to decipher the artist's vision, the piece constructed from plastic waste is a terrifying reminder of what we are doing to this planet. And I fear that other than a dedicated cadre of people who are really trying to influence others, there is total indifference on the part of the populace. And Donald Trump is producing plastic straws! Can you believe it?
ReplyDeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: Sadly I am not at all surprised that the Trumpster produces plastic straws. And how I wish that we all stepped away from plastics. We need to. Soon.
DeleteI have bought reusable, washable straws in stainless steel and silicone, both sets come with a tiny bottle brush. I carry two with me in my backpack, in a thin container meant for chopsticks.
DeleteRiver: I don't use straws, but if I did would certainly investigate reusable ones. Most of what I drink away from home is water (which I carry with me) or occasionally a cup of tea.
DeleteI love traveling and exploring other cultures, art included. Even so, sometimes the meaning of it escapes me, not having the background to understand the message behind it. I love all the colors though. So much variety, unlike the dullness of many European masters in earlier centuries.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: I am sorry that the meaning of so many pieces was out of my grasp - but agree about the colours. Lots and lots of colour. And some intriguing shapes too.
DeleteWhat a wonderful cornucopia of goodies you have shown us today, EC! My oldest and dearest friend lived in Indonesia for many years, and loved the country and its people. When he was dying, almost 11 years ago now, he asked me to choose from the many pieces of Indonesian art which hung on his walls. I chose a batik and 2 paintings, one of which hangs above my computer desk.
ReplyDeleteIn 2009 I went to an extensive exhibition of Kusama's work in Wellington, called 'Mirrored Years'. It was fascinating but bizarre, and ultimately exhausting.
We have had what seem like weeks of rain, and I am sick of it, (and also feeling under the weather), so it was a joy to see these colourful pics. I love the work of glass artists too - the dragonfly is beautiful.
Have a good week.
Alexia: I don't think I could cope with an entire exhibition of Kusama's work. I found it very disorientating, and as you say, exhausting. I would probably try though.
DeleteHow lovely to have those pieces to remember and celebrate your friend.
Rain? Jealous thoughts.
I hope you are feeling much, much better.
There is lots of colour here to delight the senses, even if we don't understand all of it. The little statue of the man (or god) covering himself with both hands really appeals to me, as do the wall hangings and the dragonfly shade. Thank you for bringing this show to us here.
ReplyDeletejenny o: There is always magic in the Gallery. Colour and talent on display.
DeleteSome of it i would stand and look at for a long time, some i wouldn't, but as you say, it's always worth at least going. Fabulous.
ReplyDeleteMy selections will be over here at the usual time.
messymimi: I look forward to seeing your Sunday Selections a little later.
DeleteI find the Gallery exciting, and often tiring because my eyes don't know where to look next.
Some colourful pieces, some interesting, nothing that would have me say "I love that where can I get one". I love the dragonfly lamp too. The plastic island bothers me, as does the one floating in the Pacific. why aren't there companies or people dedicated to scooping up as much as they can from the oceans and disposing of it some other way. Perhaps drying it all out and reusing as much as they can for constructing things like road bases or playground bases, plastic fencing, seating etc. They can't just leave it floating!
ReplyDeleteRiver: The plastic island was awful. Sadly it is no doubt dwarfed by the ones which could be made from the ones littering the water ways and beaches. We really, really need to do better.
DeleteAnd what is visible on the surface is only part of the problem. It is what has broken down into microplastics and permeated the oceans and the food chain that is the more disturbing issue.
DeleteDavid M. Gascoigne: What is on the surface kills marine life and birds. And what has permeated the oceans and food chain continues that killing spree. As self-appointed custodians of this world we are doing a woeful job.
DeleteLove the colours. And that lamp...
ReplyDeleteMarie Smith: I was so glad that all of the lamps on display were lit - I thought they were beautiful anyway, but with the light shining through...
DeleteOh I really love these...they are so colourful and unusual!
ReplyDeleteThat sculpture made from plastic waste is a fabulous idea. Maybe we should all attempt to create one, that would go a long way towards reducing the world's problem...?😊😊
Lots of love and hugs, always ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Ygraine: Wouldn't it be wonderful if we struggled to find enough waste to mimic that sculpture?
DeleteI hope your break in the New Forest was blissful. Hugs.
I can't say I like a single thing. The dragonfly lamp is ok but not my colours. The plastic waste, way too resonant.
ReplyDeleteIt's all in the eye of beholder though, eh?
kylie: It is indeed. I am pretty certain that in a visit to the gallery you would find things which you loved. And wonder whether our tastes would co-incide?
DeleteThe most sustainable island, a plastic glob of waste. Yikes!
ReplyDeleteStrayer: It is certainly the island that most of our lifestyles sustain. Easily.
DeleteImagine the work collecting all that plastic and then using it. All those polka dots would drive me crazy.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: I suspect the gathering of the plastic didn't take long at all. Sadly. The dots I found really confronting being in a small room which was covered with them.
DeleteThanks for the exhibition tour. Some of those exhibits are enough to give me nightmares but I really like the dragonfly Tiffany lamp shade. I don't understand enough of the Indonesia culture either to comment much. The plastic island it a good reminder of our overproduction of plastic, something that didn't existed in my childhood.
ReplyDeleteI think sometime art is meant to disturb and evoke emotions, not just admiration.
Hugs, Julia
Julia: I am certain that art is meant to provoke emotion, and some of these pieces certainly did that. I also liked the dragonfly - and another which depicted koi lazily swimming across the glass.
DeleteHugs.
I love how art can roll a conversation into being, loving or hating it and even being unaffected. All art can be appreciated in different ways.
ReplyDeleteI do love the dragonfly and the horror of the plastic made so visual. I would buy the Indonesian, I find it stimulating.
Different strokes. Thanks for inviting us.
XO
WWW
Wisewebwoman: Definitely different strokes. And rather a lot of converation starters...
DeleteThat dragonfly lamp is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMary Kirkland: I thought so too.
DeleteOnce again I am envious of your visits to see things that are interesting. I am not always a fan of contemporary art because I am a simpleton and just don't understand it. I can usually appreciate the work itself though. I need to get busy seeing some different things. No one to blame but myself.
ReplyDeleteAnne in the kitchen: I suspect some of my distaste for contemporary art is also because I don't understand it. I am willing to learn though. I am sure that there are wonders in your part of the world that I would love to see - not least your lake house.
DeleteLike you, I don't like (or maybe just don't understand) most of contemporary art. I'm invariably looking for beauty in the arts, and modern artists often intentionally avoid beauty.
ReplyDeleteBut I saw beauty in Indonesian art. My father had an art album called "Sukarno Gallery" - a two-volume, large format collection of paintings printed on glossy paper. Most of those paintings were of amazingly beautiful Indonesian women. It was published in Russia in the 1970s, and I have never seen anything similar after. I'm not even sure what gallery it represented. Was it the art of the Indonesia national galley or Sukarno's private collection - I don't remember. Can't check it either. When we left Russia, we were not allowed by the customs to take these books out of the country.
All the women paintings in the album were as idealized, bright, and pretty as a Disney cartoon, but in the Eastern style, and I remember my eyes rejoicing every time I opened those books.
Some people might accuse me of primitive tastes, but I think beauty is necessary in the arts, especially because there is so much ugliness in life now. Something has to overset this ugliness. In this, the artists of old times had the right ideas. Raphael was beautiful. So was Renoir.
Olga Godim: Our taste is always (by definition) intensely subjective. Some of the things I find beautiful others do not (and vice versa). I think that beauty is an essential, but also that art doesn't have (or even need) to be beautiful. If it triggers emotion or even thought it has done its job in my eyes.
DeleteInteressante und schöne Bilder von der Ausstellung.
ReplyDeleteNoke
Noke: Thank you. I am so grateful that the Gallery is close to us, and even more grateful that most of it is free to enter, to wonder, to learn, to enjoy.
DeleteWhat a beautiful, interesting, and colorful exhibition!
ReplyDeleteStarting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I didn't find all of the exhibits beautiful, but they were certainly interesting. I suspect I could wonder the Gallery every day and still find new things to excite me. We have made a commitment to go back more often, a commitment I hope we keep.
DeleteWow, beautiful paintngs, I love them.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I am glad.
DeleteYour city offers such interesting and intriguing exhibits. I especially love the dragon fly lamp.
ReplyDeleteMason Canyon: Thank you. My city is renowned as boring. I think they are wrong. Very wrong.
DeleteHi EC - what a lovely day you were able to have. I've never been to Asia ... so I'd need a while to settle in to the culture. Though time in Canada thinking about indigenous peoples has made a difference. The rubbish island - is horrible to think about ... but we're all (most of us) so careless with litter. Some of those I'd love to see ... but claustrophobia is also not for me ... I'd feel really uncomfortable in there ... but please continue on showing us - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary Melton-Butcher: Thank you. I know a little about the Indonesian culture, but not nearly enough to appreciate most of this work to the full. Sadly the rubbish island translated easily.
DeleteBelieve me, I didn't/couldn't spend much time in that installation.
Wow! So many intriguing and interesting pieces! I love seeing how different artists see the world.
ReplyDeleteJemi Fraser: So do I. And am endlessly fascinated by both the similarities and the differences.
DeleteSome interesting and colorful eye candy :)
ReplyDeleteAuthor R. Mac Wheeler: Oh yes. And rather a lot of it.
DeleteI really appreciate the effort and creativity of those with talent. The end result may not always be something I "like", but some truly amazing expressions of humans exist in the world of art.
ReplyDeleteThe bumper sticker is my favorite piece. (See, I told you I know nothing of art!)
Wally Jones: I really liked the bumper sticker too - which was why I included it. My response to art is almost always based on triggered emotions rather than knowledge. Which is probably ok.
DeleteThese would speak to me also, marvelous exhibits. Thanks for sharing them :)
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed this very subjective post.
DeleteBeautiful! I love the stained glass dragonfly!
ReplyDeleteCindi Summerlin: It was/is a beauty isn't it? There was a table full of them, and all of them were lovely.
DeleteWill share with my new friend Emily who is an artist.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie Junebug: I have just read your last post, and hope that you are feeling ok. Those are nasty bruises, and an equally nasty experience.
DeleteI hope Emily likes these photos when you are able to share them.
Such an intriguing variety of art. I find myself agreeing with the majority of your emotions. I do love the boat (?), it's fascinating and I would love to see it for real. I have almost no clue about Indonesian culture, history, art...
ReplyDeleteCarola Bartz: So much to learn... And hopefully we never give up.
DeleteThe boat was fascinating even with my limited knowledge of its place in the artist's culture.
Ooo - I love those pumpkins! And that island of plastic speaks volumes.
ReplyDeleteLady Fi: I couldn't cope with the pumpkins but agree that the island of plastic shrieked its message loud and clear.
DeleteI enjoy wondering around art gallerys and such like places.
ReplyDeleteMerle............
Merlesworld: Me too.
DeleteWhat a cool place, I would love to visit ☺
ReplyDeletenatalia20041989: It is, and there is always something new to see.
DeleteWow! Some of these pieces are quite creative and wonderful! You find the coolest stuff EC! Hugs, RO
ReplyDeleteRO: Thank you. I think my city is jam packed with wonderful things to see and enjoy. Hugs.
DeleteIsn't the variety of art amazing?
ReplyDeleteSandra: It is. You would have to be very hard to please if you couldn't find something to enjoy in our National Gallery.
DeleteAmazing photos and terrific artwork.
ReplyDeleteRasmaSandra: Thank you. It is an amazing place. In an avenue filled with amazing places.
DeleteI think it is wonderful the many galleries there are, and yet some people never venture inside one!
ReplyDeleteI think this Gallery visit was very interesting, so many different pieces and different styles. I do find myself wondering at some, but then that's the beauty of art … we each have our favourite pieces, artists etc.
Great post and a super selection of photographs.
Hope your week is going well, thankfully our weather has cooled down … for the moment.
All the best Jan
Lowcarb team member ~Jan: I am glad to hear your weather has cooled down. We are still cool here, and dry. Very, very dry.
DeleteAs I said to Sandra in a comment above I think you would be very, very hard to please if you couldn't find anything you liked in the Galleries myriad collections.
I like visiting galleries.
ReplyDeleteRomance Book Haven: So do we. Rather a lot.
DeleteThe murals are beautiful EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: I am glad you liked them.
DeleteI love the dragon lamp too! Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSandra Cox: It is isn't it?
Deletewonderful images!!so many wonderful things to look at!! love it!
ReplyDeletemarfi-topia: I am always tired (but smiling) after a visit to the Gallery. My eyes and brain get quite a workout.
DeleteWow, what a fascinating gallery visit! I loved the bright and whimsical pieces, but the pumpkin thing was... odd. I think I would have failed to appreciate it in person, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteDiane Henders: I was more than a bit surprised at how disturbing I found it to actually stand in that installation. Claustrophobic and disorientating.
DeleteMy favorite is the Temple of Hope. For some reason, it reminded me of a sukkah. I really love it.
ReplyDeleteElsie
Elsie Amata: I like that one too, and the shadows it cast.
DeleteThe most... sustainable island in the archipelago? Ouch, all right.
ReplyDeleteBlue Grumpster: I strongly suspect the artist was correct too. Huge ouch. And shame.
DeleteThat Temple of Hope is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYOU have a feel good day.
Sandra Cox: Many thanks. I hope your day is filled with wonder too.
DeleteWhat a fantastic exhibit! The island of trash makes a horrifyingly true statement and is very sobering. My favorite is the Temple of Hope. As beautiful as it is in a photo, I can imagine how uplifting it is in person. As for the contemporary art, you're braver than I am. I don't believe I would have gone into that Spirit of Pumpkins piece. That kind of visual stimulation would probably give me a migraine. I wonder what the artist was trying to say...?
ReplyDeleteHave a super weekend!
Susan: I did find that piece confronting. While I do get migraines it didn't (luckily) trigger one, but did cause nausea and disorientation. She is highly regarded, but her art is not for me. Fortunately there were plenty of other things which were more to my taste.
DeleteI actually really like the pumpkin artwork and the tiffany lamp. Both are stunning in different ways.
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe: I am glad to hear a vote for that piece. It wasn't for me, but obviously is for many. And really loved the tiffany lamp displays.
DeleteLoved your selection of images.
ReplyDeleteThe 3 picture I have one of these puppets at home.
I think they are from Indonesia.
Thank you for your visit in July.
Good entry from August.
A Casa Madeira: Thank you. They are indeed Indonesian puppets, and much of this post came from an exhibition of Indonesian Contemporary Art.
DeleteNice,,Best picture see here
ReplyDeleteunkwon: Your pictures have no relevance to this post.
DeleteI quite like the yellow and black spotty stuff, although I always hesitate to call such stuff art. Stuff to look at sounds less pretentious.
ReplyDeleteAndrew R. Scott: I find the yellow and black stuff difficult to look at, but am glad that my attitude is not shared everywhere. And perish the thought on the pretentious front.
DeleteWow EC!! Some amazing pieces you showed us! The plastic waste one, was moving!!! I would like to see the pumpkin one in person. Not sure if I liked it? But, I think it would be cool to experience! I really loved all the pieces you showed us! Big Hugs and I hope you are well!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow: Thank you. I always love going to the Gallery and I am glad you enjoyed coming with us. Hugs received and reciprocated.
Delete