Aside from the conference I also visited various museums, galleries, and locations of public art, not only in Prague, but also in Berlin and Konstanz, Germany.

In comparing the visual and public art on display in these select cities of Europe, to those in the United States, there is one large difference I found incredibly exciting. The acknowledgement of process in architectural and theatrical designs.

At the Prague National Museum of Modern Art I discovered that there were plaster models of architecture on display – along with the sketches of the buildings. I found the recognition of architecture as modern art incredibly interesting. The museums I have visited in the States may recognize architecture as an art form, but not to this caliber. The Museum in Prague not only recognized architecture as an art, but the models and sketches that lead to the final product as an art.

On top of architecture there were also costume renderings and numerous model boxes depicting scenic designs. This display of theatrical designs as artwork enthralled me. I found that the term “modern art” encompassed much more than paintings and sculpture in Prague.

I also went into the Alphonse Mucha Museum in Prague as well as the Museum of Decorative Arts. Mucha is one of my all time favorite artists. His line work and depiction of the human form has inspired me for many of my own pieces of art work.  The Museum of Decorative Arts did not allow photography, however the large array of clothing, clocks, glasswork, books, and furniture on display made me understand the concept of art as an all encompassing term for fine art.

While I was in Berlin, I unfortunately unable to go in the Guggenheim, as it was in a period of change-over in exhibits. However I was able to view a lot of different forms of public art, from graffiti, public murals, and sculptures. The graffiti served to enliven the area, and bringing a form of culture and visual interest to the area. Had the neighborhoods I walked been void of graffiti they would have been baren, another strip of tad buildings with small stores trying to survive under them. Many store fronts even had spray painted murals to attract passerby into their businesses.  The public art served as a reflection of the people that lived in the city, an outlet for creative expression.

In Konstanz I found the same thing, that public art served as an extension of culture for the people that lived in Konstanz. Many sculptures illustrating the colorful and quirky life of a shore line city. The galleries in Konstanz reflected the similar quirky life of a small town.

 

The visual art present in Central Europe not only extends to the elements of theatrical and architectural design,  but also reflects the people that live in those areas.

 

Aug 16, 2011
By (td)squared Goes Global