Art and Identity: The Museum of Modern Art (field trip #1)

       Visiting the infamous, Museum of Modern Art, also known as the MoMA, was an inspirational and pleasurable experience. I’ve had the opportunity to witness various famous artists who created Art in all types of ways, you can’t imagine. Each works of art that I’ve witnessed had a personal meaning to the artist that the artist communicated through his or her work. On our trip to the MoMA, we were asked to find works of Art that embodied Individual, cultural and historical identity. Identity is what defines us, and makes someone or something unique. Identity separates one.

            The first work of art that I’d like to talk about, is the painting by Takashi Murakami called “727.”  In this work of art Murakami embodied individual identity. He uses synthetic polymer paint on his three canvas boards to create an image that appeals to his childhood. In his work we witness bright colors and animated creatures. The work of art is imaginary and the viewer gets a sense of what it was like to be a child again. It short of reminds one of the stickers they used to place on the back of their notebooks in elementary. This piece brings out the child in us which is why it symbolizes individual identity.

The second work of art that I’ll discuss is “R.S.V.P.” by, Senga Nengudi.  In this work of art Nengudi embodies cultural identity. In the 1960’s, feminist theory and practice profoundly informed the work of wide variety of women artist, such as Nengudi. In order to voice their opinions, artists confronted the cultural stereotypes, racial and gender inequities through different mediums. Nengudi used pantyhose and sand voice her opinions artistically meaning, “The body can only stand so much push and pull until it gives way, never to resume is orginal shape.”

In Emiliano Zapata’s “Agrarian Leader Zapata,” he embodied the historical identity. Emiliano Zapata, a champion of agrarian reform and key protagonist in the Mexican Revolution, here leads a band of peasant rebels armed with weapons.  Zapata was considered a hero and was glorified the victory of the Revolution in image of violent but just vengeance.   

In conclusion, the experience at the MoMA was phenomenal. I’ve witnessed so many types of works the embodied identity in different form. I was able to really analyze and appreciate art and its interior meaning.