During my recent foray into the campus of the University of Panama, I saw several objects that were deliberately placed there in an effort to display works of art. After looking at some of these objects for some time, I just couldn’t appreciate the art in them. To my plain and uneducated eye, they were just a mix of junk waiting for the garbage truck to arrive. I know this statement is not fair to the creators of these artworks. As you know beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.
You be the judge in the following examples art which I found lying around the University of Panama campus. Here we go.
Photograph of a monument built to honor the cofounder of the University of Panama, Octavio Méndez Pereira. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
A nationalistic statue depicting two students demonstrating against the presence of the United States in the former Panama Canal Zone. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Photograph of a strange mix of metallic objects trying to convey a message I just couldn't understand. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
A closer look at the rusty piece of artwork at the University of Panama. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
The old tire seems completely out of place in this mix of objects. Is this art? Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
I know that appreciating art is very personal and subjective. Tried as I did, I couldn’t find the artistic value of this old tire mixed with several pieces of rusty metallic objects. Maybe in this particular case, art is only an illusion of the mind. Good Day.
i’m not sure.
it certainly hasn’t blown me away
I don’t mind sculpture I can understand but some of it I can’t understand. It is the same with art. My friend, when he was still alive, told me to always do realistic things because most people can read them. His name was Norman Rockwell.
And, I learned a long time ago to take my time in signing my name, “Abraham Lincoln” on my paintings or on my photos or whatever I did. Why? Because it is “me” and I should be proud of me and I should want everyone to know that me did the photo or the oil painting or the drawing. And lots of people see me name on the piece and come to me to get something like it for their den or library or living room wall.
I chose a picture I took 55 years ago of my Patty wearing a red dress. On April Fool’s Day, April 1, 1955.
I gave her a diamond engagement ring, and today, April 1, 2010 is my entry for theme day on my Brookville Daily Photo blog.
Hello Abe:
I also identify the pictures with my blog, but I’m thinking of replacing it wih my name as you correctly pointed out. It’s me who took that picture, and that’s the way it should be.
I didn’t know your friend was Norman Rockwell. Is that the American icon everybody talks about?
Congratulations on your anniversary; it’s a hell of good theme for your blog.
God Bless,
Omar.-
Hi Omar,
I don’t know about the first examples but that last one looks very similar to the result of my first car wreck.
As Abe mentioned, I’m much more of a fan of art that I can recognize and to which I can relate. Rockwell’s appeal was connecting to people caught in everyday circumstances.
jim and nena
fort worth, tx
Hi Jim and Nena:
Actually the post was about the last picture which looks like a “car wreck” as you described it. I saw no beauty there at all.
Yep, Rockwell was able to capture the average American doing every day things, like fishing or swinging on an old tire at the back yard.
Take Care,
Omar.-
Omar;
Cuando era estdiante de la Universidad ninguna de estas esculturas estaban alli.
Jaime^
Hola Jaime:
No se perdió de nada importante. Me refiero a la escultura con la vieja llanta de automóvil. Ese adefesio pertenece a Cerro Patacón.
Saludos,
Omar.-