GOCA

Part 1

 

This could be unfinished business where something is started and then abandoned. I feel as if my life has a lot of unfinished business.

 This piece of wood and metal could represent the shifting of time and even in my own life how things have shifted differently than even I expected.

 

 

This nail sticking out is waiting for someone to help him to be put back into place. My life has been recently displaced by divorce.

 

 This piece of metal represents trying to get back in or trying to open back up to the possibilities the world has set forth.

 

 

Trying to rid myself of the weeds in my life while still being optimistic while viewing Pikes Peak.

 

Part 2

 

     While I was thinking about what I would want to do and where I wanted to go I knew that I would want tranquility. I like how my life reflects with Berger's words, "Our vision is continually active. continually moving, continually holding things in a circle around itself, constituting what is present to us as we are". (9) The last part "what is present to us as we are" is what stands out as most relevant to me. We can immerse ourselves in the pain of life or we can look at life as an adventure to be taken in full. We all experience hard knocks and have challenges that may or may not define us, but how we handle it is really who we are.

     I look no further than the art gallery where the pictures of the girl with the halo around her leg represent a lot of pain yet determination to move forward and to be well again. Such is this life that we have pain but we should be determined to overcome what pains us in life and be able to press on and press forward like this young lady has. I'm sure she experienced many emotions and challenges, but in the end the halo cam off and she can now live life without that challenge. I too have a halo around me as I mend from my recent divorce, but life has a way of mending that pain as well and being able to move forward and press on is the best thing I can do for those I care about and for those who care about me. That being said I think that Berger's "what is present to us as we are" is how we can deal with what life throws at us one step at a time.

 

 

Works cited:

 

 

Berger, John. Ways of  Seeing. London: Penguin Books, 1972. Print.

Walking Threw Manitou

How do you in taking a digital photograph participate in the construction of Manitou?

Well when you drive threw you really don’t see the construction of the town you just see what your eyes see. You really don’t pay attaching to the little things that count when you see. Like when you drive you just see the police station the people walking the small stores and the restaurants you really only pay attaching to the big things that your eye catch’s. There’s not much you can see when you driving, everything flaws in place when you walk and you take a tour around the town.

For example, you cant see what in the park if you drive threw it, did you know that there’s is a tree house that was build with some type of old tree that’s been there for years and years. It was a wood roof and a face in the top of the tree and a door it really beautiful when you actually see it and look around. It’s interesting that they made a tree house in the city park I guess so everyone can see what kind off past time differences we have from back then to todays nature. That’s not the only thing in that park they have some other interesting things.

Along the main road you see a train just the only piece that is use to run it its called Manitou& Pike’s Peak. Now this is interesting because Zebulon M. Pike discovered the world’s most famous mountain, which he was an army office. Which came in November 13^th 1806 at the time that he discovered this peak, which now fittingly bears his name. He made a statement that man could never ascend it. This is a great piece of art so people can see where the name Pikes Peak came from.

There’s a lot of art pieces around the town, like the Wheeler Town Clock which I never seen before until now, and I been threw that numbers of times. Also the Metal Flower by Glen Flower, ad Manitou The Tester, A shooting start on the bridge, it looks like a shooting star it’s a bright red/orange color.

There are waterfalls that people can drink water for free and each waterfall tastes different. A wishing tower by Andy Scoot, A man in Z moon, And other pieces of art around the main street that you see by only if you walk and take your time threw the town. Which is a great experience because you don’t see this kind of pieces at a fancy art galley store this are one of a kind art pieces that you only see at Manitou Springs, Colorado.  

Manitou Montage

Walking in Manitou

 

     As I walk through this town I realize that it is one of the most unique places I have ever seen. There is a great variety of art, people, and culture. It truly is a great blending of worlds. A great melting pot for many if you will. To me there is not much that is replicated in Manitou Springs. The argument might be made that the road is replicated, but I really see so much originality in this town that's it's hard to put a bead on anything similar. When I look at the natural I turn simply to nature. I see the green grass and trees and I see mother nature's fury as we walk through a thunderstorm as we see the beauty all around us. I see birds and even deer in town. I see the creek flowing as we cross the bridge.

     The simulated environment here interacts and flows with the real environment symbiotically. From making numerous trips here I can say that I honestly have not noticed things that I noticed during this walk. There were certain parts of town that I had never seen and even though I had driven or walked by many of these pieces of art in the past I had never seen them. It seems as though the artwork and design of the town flows more naturally than it would in a lot of other places.

     The public art here reflects the town by tying in the past with the future. The statue of the soldier and the old COG caboose are just two examples of this city's rich heritage. The COG has been a mainstay for a very long time and a great tourist attraction to the city.

     I think how I construct Manitou and that is to have my own walk, my own journey in how I see things and how I am able to perceive and to create art or thoughts based on my own experience. I think that it is important to soak up the world around you and to be able to reflect on where you've been and where you desire to be.









 

Manitou Springs

 

As you stroll through the stunning settlement of Manitou Springs, you are taken back by the beauty this town has to offer. At first glance you are able to see and feel the history it has to offer.  And if you take a real deep breath, maybe even catch a little bit of its founding history. Surrounded by the warm red colors of the hill side, Manitou Springs has turned into quite the artistic paradise.

                As you wander down Manitou Ave. you will notice many works of art from local artist, most notably for me it starts with the wood carver just after the pancake house. In memorial park there is a statue of a forward charging solider dedicated to the men and women that have fought for this country. It is also here were a local group of free spirited individuals gather to fill the walls of this little community with the sounds of their bongo drums and lively music. Across the street is building 515, which is newly renovated and used as an art gallery and community hall. It also shares a wall with the Manitou Springs heritage center for all you need to know about the history of this beautiful town.

                As you travel on further down Manitou Ave.  you start to notice works of art lining the streets. These magnificent sculptures display the talent this town has to offer and the pride this community has for its artistic heritage. Along the way you also pass many wonderful shops such as the Green Horse Gallery, Darpino Studio, and the glass blower filled with even more of the talent of Colorado. One of my favorites and a hole that I visit on every trip to Manitou is the Commonwheel Artist Co-op. This little marvel is a collection of Colorado’s finest artist. It is packed full of paintings, Photographs, and ceramics.

                As I leave the red walls of Manitou Springs a feeling of delight floods over me, for this little slice of heaven has grown into such a beautiful community that I cannot wait for my children to grow old enough to appreciate it.   

Ways of seeing a still painting

 

 

Ways of seeing a still painting

 

     Berger states, "Oil painting often depict things. Things which in reality are buyable. To have a thing painted and put on a canvas is not unlike buying it and putting it in your house. If you buy a painting you buy also the look of the thing it represents" (83). It was not uncommon for the wealthy to flaunt what they owned or desired through paintings. "Oil painting conveyed a vision of total exteriority" (87). Paintings from 1500 until today largely convey this theme of what you see is what you get. Meaning that the picture is what it is. There is no hidden meaning or agenda. It is simply showing the world this is mine, my idea, or my goal to attain.

     This picture titled Ruins with Train Tracks by Billmyer shows depth and a story of the past to be seen by those who are willing to look into what is there. I see an old building that was probably once bustling with people waiting to depart to the next town or even several states away. This could also depict power and control of the railroad or contents of the railcars in that era. It seems as it's depicting a period somewhere in the 1800's and that there was some valuable resource in that area. It could have been near and old mine which produced minerals for several years and then it may have gone away for one reason or another. Another name I think of for this painting is Wealth in the past. One of oil painting's biggest attributes is "its potential of illusionism" (89). This put you in a specific place and time. You can smell the air and what it might be like to be a food stand or to smell fresh flowers. Paintings like this can capture life and senses in the here and now. These paintings are also created to give the sense of something real and tangible, something you can relate to or touch as the painting on p. 89-90 depict. Sticking with the theme of this is mine this painting The Ambassadors by Holbein shows a tremendous amount of wealth and power in their clothing and the background. Paintings like this one also depict a great amount of skill. This is typical of paintings from the first oil paintings and still today. Although, artists have made it a point to make paintings of more traditional and everyday household items.

     Even though this period of paintings depicts wealth and power, I think it's important to see how our world has evolved and to see the progress made in art from the powerful to the everyday person art has taken hold just about everywhere we look. It makes me think how artists from the past would see and view our world as it is now and how would their style change if at all living in our world today. I have been in wealthy households over the years and I can attest that you still see these works of art that display their personal worth in their own eyes.

 

 

 



 

John Edward Billmyer Ruins with Train Tracks (Undated) Oil on canvas

Berger, John. Ways of  Seeing. London: Penguin Books, 1972. Print.

FAC

The artwork by Cyrus Moffett entitled, “Untitled” was constructed during the artists last year of life in 1968. This piece is abstract, innovative and eye-catching. The artist was experimenting with the use of color and the impact that it can have on the interpretation of art. The colors that he chose are bold such as dark orange, black, bright blue, and forest green. These colors can be interpreted in many ways. One, however, would be that these colors invoke a sense of masculinity to the viewer. These colors are traditionally projected to mean strength, adventure, confidence, daringness, and power. According to Berger [on masculinity], “A man’s presence is dependent upon the promise of power of which he embodies… a man’s presence suggests what he is capable of doing to you or for you” (Berger, 45-46). These colors do speak those traditional masculine projections on me. When I see the colors orange and black together I think of construction and work. When I see the color forest green I think of lumber and adventure.  Society has taught us that these colors represent certain traits, however, what would happen if we took away our personal projections on these colors? What other types of beauty would the art piece speak? I do find it interesting how powerful color is in our society and how easily those colors and meanings are recognized. For instance, if there were a twin piece to “Untitled” but it was painted with pinks, whites, and purples. The brain would automatically assume that the painting was supposed to be representing femininity. I think that it becomes dangerous when we start putting something like masculinity and femininity into white and black terms. I think that as education progresses and people begin to question how we define masculine and feminine traits the more the art world and our interpretations will progress as well. By exploring art and museums like The Fine Art Center we are able to become aware of our own thoughts, prejudices and projections by analyzing our interpretation of different art pieces. Thus, proving the legitimacy of the arts and how vital they are to the understanding of humanity.

Works Cited

Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. London: British Broadcasting, 1972. Print

Walk

Mankind has left it's mark in the city.

 

Both today, and through the past.

 

We have created our own art, beauty, scenery.



 

And it is upto us to stop during our day and appreciate it.

Manitou Springs; Old Town America

Eric Perenyi
Dr. Mary J. Sullivan
HUM 3999
18 July 2013

Manitou Springs; Old Town America

            While strolling the streets of Manitou Springs this afternoon, I did what I usually do when I am in a new place: I passed judgment.  When passing judgment, the ultimate conclusion is usually positive, negative or neutral.  During this essay, I will analyze my day in Manitou Springs by answering questions about what was replicated or natural, how the simulated environment interacted with the real environment and how the public art reflected or challenged the town.

            Although replicated, the sculpture of a soldier in a field at the beginning of my walk represented combat (see photo 2).  History has taught us that most societies over the last 3000 years either tricked others out of their land or won their land through combat.  This sculpture would suggest the latter and it interacts very well with the beginning of the Manitou Springs narrative.  As I walked deeper into the town, I was able to identify a structure that is similar to most towns I have lived in or visited.  There were places to live, places to eat and places to play.  A sculpture of two children playing in water (also a replication) gave me the impression that children were present in the early days of the city and their happiness and innocence was as it should have been (see photo 3).  The center of town probably told the majority of the story.  People of all walks of life traveled up and down the streets along the side of the stores and markets as American flags blew in the wind above them (see photo 4).  This scenery was of the present but I could easily imagine the same image from two centuries ago.  Finally, the presence of God is important for most societies and I got the impression that Manitou Springs naturally follows that model (see photo 5).  As a photographer, I do not feel like I have participated in the construction of Manitou Springs but my presence in the city definitely makes me a consumer. 

            In closing, I would say that my experience in Manitou was a positive one.  The art that I came across was very reflective of the town (a town of old and traditional routes as well as a town of tourism).  Although I would probably choose to live somewhere else, I would definitely consider another visit to old town America.

Photo 1

 

Photo 2

 

Photo 3

 

 

Photo 4

 

Photo 5 

The Family

Eric Perenyi
Dr. Mary J. Sullivan
HUM 3999
11 July 2013

The Family

            After my trip to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, I realized how little I know about art.  I also realized that if given a chance, an artist and his/her work could have a lasting impact on me.  Although I was treated to several different works while at the Fine Arts Center, the one that had the biggest impact on me was a sculpture call “The Family” by William Zorach.  As a father and a husband, this was a sculpture that I could personally relate to.  Having read some of Berger’s arguments, I was able to further put into perspective what I had just seen.  As a Women’s and Ethnic Studies (WEST) major, I have learned to look at certain things from a social class and gender point of view.  In the book Ways of Seeing, John Berger addresses the issue of gender.  The purpose of my essay is to analyze and confirm Berger’s argument about gender as it relates to art.

            In 1963 (three years before his death), William Zorach created a sculpture that he called “The Family.”  This statue depicts a man (the father), a boy (older son), an infant (male or female) and a woman (wife and mother).  The first thing that came to mind when I looked at this sculpture was that the entire family was without clothing and the context of the image was as if they were in a public venue (I will address this later).  While analyzing the art, I realized that the statue depicted the separation of gender.  Berger makes reference that a man’s presence is dependent upon the promise of power and this promised power may be moral, physical, temperamental, economic, social and or sexual (Berger 45).  In this sculpture, Dad stands taller and firmer than everyone else (physical) and he appears to be very attentive to his surroundings as he functions as the protector and provider for his family (moral, temperamental, economic and social).  Although mom is playing an active role in the family structure as she nurtures the infant, it is clear that she is not in a position of power and that she is an object (not a subject).  Mom is in a supporting role.  She is the nurturer and the educator of the children and she provide whatever services are needed to support the man’s family.  For her efforts, she is rewarded by a label in society that is in association with her husband and her children and on display for others.  In essence, she is not her own person but rather an extension of her husband.  Although the infant is very much in need of mom’s services, the older child displays the maturity and appearance that he no longer needs mom’s teachings and nurturing, thus, he is ready to peruse manhood.

            Earlier, I addressed the fact that the entire family was without clothes.  As described by Berger, there is a difference between being naked and being nude.  Individually, mom would be naked (a form of dress or lack of) and on display for others to view.  As a family and with the presence of dad, the classification changes to nude, which makes it a matter of art according to Kenneth Clark (Berger 53).

            Although created in 1963, The Family sculpture is timeless and probably represents a historical period that covers thousands of years.  Although families are never nude in public, the statue represents gender (past, present and future).  In closing, most of the art that I saw at the Fine Arts center addresses gender (usually in an oppressive manner for the female).  History teaches us that gender inequality has existed for a very long time so it makes perfect sense that this inequality would be depicted in most forms of art.

John Berger, Ways of Seeing (London: Penguin Books, 1972), 45, 53. Print.

 

 

 

William Zorach (1887-1966)
THE FAMILY, 1963
bronze
Gift of First Nationwide Bank, FA  1994.2

Modernist William Zorach exhibited in the landmark 1913 Armory Show in New York.   Born in Russia, he and his artist wife, Marguerite, are both represented in the Museum’s collection.  The Family is the first in an edition of two bronzes cast after an earlier rejection of the image in a public commission competition at the Dallas, Texas, State Fairgrounds, and was originally placed in a niche especially created for it in the Mining Exchange Building in downtown Colorado Springs.  After the building’s sale and a brief time in Denver, the sculpture was installed here in 1995.

 

 

The GOCA

GOCA

They say that a picture (what we see) is worth a thousand words.  Berger tells us that the way we see things is affected by what we know or what we believe.  This made me think about the different opinions that people might have when they look at the El Paso County Court and how the justice system may be interpreted.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office may represent public service and safety to some (privilege).  This same office may represent injustice to others (oppression).  The connecting Metro Detention Facility probably represents a place that most people would not want to call their permanent or temporary place of residence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After coming across this exhibit, I realized that my interpretation was probably different than the intention of the artist.  I see this as a representation of the passing of culture from one generation to the next (Halloween).  In addition, this represents the innocence and happiness of childhood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Without a doubt, Colorado Springs has deep routes from the past.  Over the years, the city has undergone a major face lift that is more representative of the present.  In contrast, these buildings tell that story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

 

The main event of the day was the exhibit at the GOCA.  This documentation was a story of pain, struggle, validation, adaptation and overcoming.  See part 2 of this assignment for further clarification.

 

Eric Perenyi
Dr. Mary J. Sullivan
HUM 3999
26 June 2013

The Ways of Seeing

            During my reading of chapter one from Ways Of Seeing by John Berger, I came across several concepts that were new to me in words, but things that I have practiced for years without even knowing.  The most significant of these concepts was the way we see things is affected by what we know or what we believe (Berger 8). 

            During my visit to the GOCA, I was treated to several photos a young girl that was living with her disability(s).  Through several photos of his daughter, Matt Chmielarczyk was able to tell a story about the experiences of him and his daughter.  Although the story is specific for Chmielarczyk, it may have very different meanings to those who are trying to interpret the story.  My understanding of Chmielarczyk’s story is one of pain, struggle, validation, adapting and overcoming.  In actuality, my understanding of Chmielarczyk’s story is five different stories combined into one.  Although this is not my story nor the story of my daughter, I try to make sense of what I have seen based on what I know or think that I know and what I believe. 

            In the several photos of Chmielarczyk’s daughter that I viewed, I was able to piece together a complete story that I could understand.  Having personally suffered a serious injury, I was able to recognize the pain on the girl’s face as she was attended to.  Other photos depicted her with crutches as she attempted to move from place to place.  These photos demonstrated the fact that mobility was not easy and that it involved a significant degree of struggle.  Seeing photos of her participating in activities such as playing the violin not only confirmed validation (still a human being that is capable of doing what others can do) but adaptation to her circumstances.  Most interesting to me were the final pictures of a girl walking (or running) down a hall towards an exit sign.  To me, this picture reflects that she has overcome her situation.

John Berger, Ways of Seeing (London: Penguin Books, 1972), 8

Fine Art Center

Robert Polidori, Looking East, 42^nd Street, New York, 2002

 

New York City, the city that never sleeps, the big apple, City so nice they named it twice. New York City is one of the most well know cities in the world, it is also one gigantic billboard with advertisements for anything your heart desires. This picture of the city high lights Berger’s critical thought on our modern consumerist society through “publicity” or “advertisement”.

Berger uses the term Publicity in place of advertisement, and points out the fact of these images surrounding us as unique to our modern society. According to Berger “Publicity images belong to the moment” in terms of the length of time we view them and how often it needs updated, and refer not to the present but the future. As consumerist we are bombarded by these images in passing, and at times you feel as if you are standing still in a swirling sea of billboards, newspapers, and magazines telling you what you must look/dress like tomorrow. It gives us the false assumption of being richer by possessing more.  

Envy, glamour, and publicity are relationships seen by Berger. Transformation by consumption is something highlighted by publicity to be desirable, which in turn leads to publicity manufactured glamour. “Publicity begins by working on a natural appetite for pleasure” (Berger) which is real. Although this is not real pleasure, but a happiness promised to be gained by the envy of others. These ads in Polidori’s photo of 42^nd street scream to us that change is needed, a change of who we are, and who we should be. If only I change into those GAP clothes or if only I had that Louis Vuitton bag, they will all like me. Advertising plays off the fact that there is no substitute for pleasure, and caters not to the present, but future consumers. Leaving consumers to dream about what they are missing.

  Polidori captures in his photo not only the beauty of New York City, but also what it means to be Americans in today’s society. We work hard for what we have, and in turn we fall prey to the advertising around us begging us to just look at it one time, hoping we are curious enough to buy its product. This keeps our capitalistic society alive. “Capitalism survives by forcing the majority, whom it exploits, to define their own interests as narrowly as possible…it is being achieved by imposing a false standard of what is and what is not desirable.”(Berger)  

Citation

Berger, John. Ways of Seeing. 1st ed. . England: British broadcasting corporation and Penguin books, 1972.

Manitou

                Manitou Springs is one of my favorite places in Colorado. It has such an artsy and relaxing feel to it. As soon as I enter the little town, I enter with the mindset that I am not just passing through as a visitor, but I am passing through as welcomed person. The artwork around Manitou is random, beautiful, and perfectly placed. Part of the coolest thing about Manitou Springs is the fact that the art is not too overwhelming. When you go to a place that is purely made up of artwork, one can feel like they do not belong, especially if they are not a huge fan of art. I am not a big fan of art, but Manitou makes me enjoy it in full. Manitou is perfectly set up, because the city itself feels like a piece of art with other works built in to it. The artwork itself does not alone make Manitou Springs intriguing, but the entire culture of Manitou makes it that way. The people, the little shops, the random musicians, the stoners, all added to the artsy feel give it the unique vibe.

                Along with the artwork in Manitou, the natural aspects are a huge aspect of why it is such a beautiful place. Being right there at the foot of the mountains, with all of the trees, rocks, and open space makes you appreciate it even more. It is such an enlightening place to just walk through, whether you are alone or with friends. I find it so easy to simply think when I’m in Manitou. The pictures that I have taken in Manitou Springs show the randomness and neat artwork around the city. The houses, the restaurants, the shops, the trees and nature, and the artwork in Manitou Springs all make it what it is today. If it were not for any of those things then Manitou would not be the fantastic place that it is. If you want a fun place to go walk around that is pretty to look at and has a different feel than just a regular city, then Manitou is perfect. 

Manitou

Walking in Manitou Springs

            Manitou Spring is a world of its own. Unlike its much-larger neighbor to its east, this tiny town in the mountain foothills has rejected urbanization. Instead, Manitou Springs is a charming hippie-era haven filled with art gallery gazers, outdoor café lingerers, street musicians, visiting tourist from all over the world and the best arcade any town would be lucky to have. Just spending a few hours aimlessly wandering around the towns’ funky boutiques, surplus of coffee shops and ice cream stops, you cannot help but feel the love that people have for this tiny city.

            The arts are what are at the heart of Manitou Springs. It is not just about the sculptures that line the streets and parks, it is the buildings and the people that make it just as special and scenic. While during the summer months the streets are lined with tourists and locals alike, it has this unwavering feeling that everyone lives here. Seeing both the adults and kids enjoy the blast from the past with games at the Penny Arcade or grabbing salt-water taffy and indulging on funnel cake from Patsy’s gives Manitou Springs it’s heart-warming appeal.

            As I walk through Manitou Springs, I can’t help but be flooded with memories. I did not grow up here but we visited Colorado every summer and we stayed in almost every hotel along Manitou Avenue. I took my first steps at the El Dorado lodge, played countless hours at the arcade and took the Cog Railway up too many times to count. We watched parades go by on the steps, drank the mineral water from the fountains and the old phone booth reminds me of the nostalgia that Manitou Springs is trying to keep alive. Everything in this tiny mountain town seems to have its place and without the sculptures, locals, transients, tourists, shops, and all the watering holes this place would be barren. There is not many places that can make anyone feel like they belong to a community.

Fine Arts Center

Although “the ideal spectator has always assumed to be male,” (Berger 1972) Trio by Walt Kuhn depicts all males, standing in womanish poses, wearing womanish colors. Trio punches Berger’s “always” in the face in a very manly way. This 1937 oil painting only hints to feminism by the way they stand and the clothes they wear. Why do they stand like this and wear these clothes? They are circus people. Two of the models for this painting were actual circus people, known as the Roma Brothers. Circus people are known for either their incredibly strong manliness (to where one can smell the testosterone and steroids from 50 paces) or for their lithe gracefulness. Can you pick which one Walt Kuhn intended to portray? I personally cannot. From the hips up, they appear to be very manly men (two of whom lost a bet and had to wear pink). Their arms are crossed, their hair is short, their expressions are masculine and the shoulders are thick with muscle. However, from the hips down, they are standing in a very feminine manner. If you cover the top halves of them, they might very well be women. Their legs are long, lean and graceful, their toes are softly pointed, they’re wearing what look to be our modern ballet flats. When Berger says that the ideal spectator is ALWAYS male, he hadn’t seen this painting that proves him wrong. The men I’ve asked about this painting say that it makes them a little uncomfortable because it’s like they’re trying to be manly, but they can’t quite hide it. The men I’ve asked also say that they can’t tell if the three men are gay or not. The mixture of femininity and masculinity seem to label something “gay” in our society, and women are far more comfortable viewing something like this than men.