Nature

The theme I've decided to present is Nature. All fifteen works of art included in this exhibition have, in one way or another, incorporated nature in their content. I chose this theme for various reasons. First, I think nature is beautiful! I have always loved landscapes. It's fascinating to perceive something of such beauty through the eyes of artists. Second, in my opinion although living in New York city has its' perks, it has distanced us from nature. I hope that this exhibition will aid the viewers mentally transport to the places portrayed in most of the artworks. I'd like for each of the viewers to imagine spending a day in nature; without people calling their cellphones, without having to rush somewhere and get something done and ultimately without any stress.

One of the works I found incredibly interesting is Minor White photograph of his favorite object. What object is that, one might wonder? It's a weathered board, which to him represented the passing of time. White aimed to find eye shapes in nature. One can clearly see that he's accomplished his goal in this photograph. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's web site, the eye shape on the board symbolizes the way the photographer perceived the world around him.

Pietro Yantorny's work is unique and fun. Yantorny proclaimed himself as the most expensive shoe maker in the world. What medium did he use to create shoes? He used wood. His work is called "Shoe Trees" for a reason.

Camille Corot's painting "Ville-d'Avray" is, without a doubt, breathtaking. In my opinion, it evokes peace of mind. To me, it also represents fall. It made me think of quiet, rainy days. 

 Minor White, "Untitled," 1967
Section: Photographs

Pietro Yantorny, "Shoe Trees," 1914-1919

Section: The Costume Institute

Camille Corot, "Ville-d'Avray," 1870

Section: European Paintings

 

 Bequest of Stephen Whitney, "Case with Design of Flowering Cherry Trees Beside Winding River," 19th Century
Section: Asian Art

David Claypoole, "At the Waterfall," ca. 1850
Section: American Paintings and Sculpture

Dammas Hofdijck, "Plate," early 18th century
Section: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Eugene Boudin, "Village by a River," 1867
Section: European Paintings

Mme. Pauline, "Hat," ca. 1911
Section: The Costume Institute

Robert Adams, "Outdoor Theater," 1937
Section: Photographs

Ike Gyokuran, "Autumnal Landscape with a Waterfall," 1728-1784
Section: Asian Arts

Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer, "Basket of Flowers," 17th Century
Section: Drawings and Prints

John Beasly Greene, "Waterfall," 1856
Section: Photographs

Paul Henry, "A Section of the Constellation Cygnus," 1885
Section: Photographs

Michel Bruno Bellenge, "Vase of Flowers in a Niche," 1726-1793
Section: European Paintings

Bernardo Bellotto, "Pirna: The Obertor from the South," 1722-1780
Section: European Paintings