i’ve found a new way to explore art museums. with ipod in hand, i head to my favorite muse. my plan is to experience one work of art…deeply. i listen for the work of art that is calling my name as i wander freely through the galleries. i know when i’m in the right place…it is as though time has stopped.
today, it happens in front of Anselm Kiefer’s Sterenfall (Falling Stars). i take a deep breath and sit on the floor in front of the piece. i instinctively reach for my ipod and select the album “The Earth is Not a A Cold Dead Place” by Explosions in the Sky.
for this moment, there is nothing in this world but Sterenfall, me and the music. i am in awe of the vastness of this piece. i find beauty, peace and courage washing over me.
i always find what i need in this space. here, i am home.
have you ever felt this way? what works of art call you to come rest a while in their company?
Cross-posted to the Blanton Blog.
By bringing art, music and yourself so close together you can achieve various things: for example carry a particular piece of art with you for the rest of your life wherever you are. Or create art, because the overwhelming experience you described can become an excellent start for doing new things.
Great post!
Hi Yiannis!
Indeed. I believe that every work of art is a portal to an amazing experience. I always feel lucky when I “find the key” and get inside.
I can always find my inner balance through music. Music that touches something within me, where I can forget myself. That could be Pink Floyd, Philip Glass, classic, ragga dub, electronic music, or Tibetan chants, anything that is original and moves me in one way or another or reminds me of particular people. Some extremely well choreographed and performed ballets by William Forsythe, Saburo Teshigawara, or Rui Horta. Some movie scenes like the final in Bladerunner, a few sections of Lord of the Rings, The Piano, or Conan the Barbarian (I confess). Fine arts with a surprise, like some installations of Bill Viola. Photorealistic ancient paintings by Dürer … We got a few very fine museums here in Frankfurt.