A.) Which artworks make an impact or impression on me? Why?
B.) Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?
C.) Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why?
You should list at least two different artworks for each question. (Total of 6 artworks)
1) Out of all six works of art at the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling, the ones that made a powerful impression on me was (4) Parade by Derek Fodijour and (2) Homestead by Edger Rivera. I was impressed by the scale of Parade in that it featured a 20-foot-long “passageway-like” display of different types of art that shares a common theme of a “parade”. Each piece included aspects that you’ll find at a parade, but this piece in-particular conveys a blue painted children’s bicycle with a birthday cake and balloon used as an accent. Again, since the common theme appeals to children the entire concept made sense. The primary and secondary colors used really makes the piece standout and its odd aura is what originally drew me in. Homestead was perhaps the most eye-catching display at the gallery. It features dozens of handcrafted mini cardboard homes suspended from the ceiling. One of the most impressive things I liked about this piece is that depending on the angle you’re viewing it; it almost seems as if the homes are floating in mid-air! Also, the building’s skylight along with the colors used on the homes support each other very well and adds to the balance and proportion of the entire project.
2) The works I felt the most connected to was (3) Reflective Color by Alex Cassidy & Jennifer Efil’ryan and (5) I Need by the children of the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling. Reflective Color exposed a personal connection for me because of its story of why it was created. After speaking with one of the artists (Alex Cassidy), I realized that the piece was created to give children their very own creative outlet using chalk and crayons to be drawn on the mirrored platform. When I asked Alex what inspired the unusual piece, he simply replied, “its what the children wanted”. Since I’m very passionate about working with children, I instantly considered Reflective Color my favorite exhibit at the gallery. I love how it relies on the kids to make it as stunning as it is! I even caught a shot of a toddler with chalk in hand preparing to leave his mark. I Need is another piece I felt connected to because of its blatant self-expression. The straightforward post-it note display highlighted what children at the museum “need” in their lives. Posts were ranging from “BBQ Chips” to “Trump to Resign”. It is the ultimate form of judgment-free and youthful expression.
3) Interestingly enough, I’d like to know more about (1) and (6) Splatter by Alex Cassidy & Jennifer Efil’ryan. The exhibit with the piano (which I’ll call number one) is by far the most mysterious display at the gallery. It featured a large wooden piano with a variety of digital and analogue clocks resting on top of it. Furthermore, it was located in a small room with transparent drapes and decorative lighting surrounding it. To add to its mysteriousness, it did not feature any artist’s information whatsoever. After visiting the museum’s website, I still couldn’t find any info in regards to this display. What is the meaning? Who or what inspired such a display? Are just a few questions I have about this perplexing exhibit. Splatter is by far my least favorite display at Sugar Hill, but I’d still like to know more about it. Initially it seemed quite dull and lacking creativity, it is simply a newspaper collage aligned within a frame. What is the story behind this piece? What is it trying to convey? The world may never know.
