Palmer Art Museum

When I first wandered around the museum I was immediately drawn to the pottery. I was intrigued by the preciseness and perfection of each of the pieces. I walked around a corner and was captured by a smaller piece. It had an effect on me because of its imperfection. At first it looks like the bowl is just lopsided but that's what makes the piece interesting. I realized that another reason I found the piece interesting because it was not something that I would usually find visually appealing. I tend to like simple and clean cut pieces of art but this was not like that.

The bowl was made in 1979 by Dutch sculptor Johan Van Loon. In the United State during this time period the Hippie era was coming to an end and women were gaining rights the environmentalist movement was beginning to grow. The Netherlands had similar social movements where they grew away from old traditions. The nontraditional design of the bowl reflects the changing time period.

The piece intrigued me because I know I could never have thought of constructing a piece like it myself. It contrasted with my usual views of what is visually attractive. Johan was considered one of the most influential Dutch sculptures of his time period. There was another piece of his right next to the bowl and some of the aspects of the piece reflected off of each other. Throughout the years his pieces changed and grew. He still continues to work with porcelain and glaze. I believe that the piece's claim is that there is beauty behind realness and imperfections. The unique shape and color design is almost contradicted by the perfect shining glaze covering each of the pieces. The message of the piece is communicated to the observer.

This was my first time at the museum because I am not someone who usually enjoys or seeks out art museums, maybe because of my stereotypical view of them. I actually really enjoyed the Palmer Museum. It wasn't overwhelming but at the same time had a good balance of modern pieces, sculptures, and more classic paintings. I did tend to move through the paintings of people set in an older time period more quickly but I found the sculptures and modern art pieces engaging. I usually don't like looking at art that I think I could create but I really enjoyed the modern art in the museum especially in the upstairs. I found the whole experience refreshing and relaxing. I would consider going back to the museum when I'm looking for something to do or in need of a mental break. I would also love to show the museum to visitors like my parents.