My sketch of the statues in the Precolombian Museum
The main attraction in the Precolombian Museum in the newly renovated underground gallery space, designed by Smiljan Radic. When entering the lowest level, there becomes a very clear emphasis towards the left end which contains these statues. This hierarchy is created mostly by light. The room is very dark, except for on the end above these statues. This light draws your eyes to the sculptures. I found it especially interesting that the light cast shadows on the figures to create features like their eyes. These shadows really emphasized that these abstractions were meant to represent people of the Rapa Nui culture, and their use of protruding and sunken areas was truly amazing for the time period they were created.
One of the highlights of the Museum and one the main attractions at the moment is this huge renovation space. I really enjoyed the space and the use of light but it was very rugged at the same time. The set up of this space allows for continued renovation and room for growth. I think he did this on purpose which created a very flexible foundation but also room for growth for its viewers. I enjoyed the lighting component because it adds a mystical feeling to the location all while encouraging learning of those who visit the museum. All in all, it was an enlightening experience.
Reading through everyone’s posts about their day two, it seems like a lot of people gravitated to these figures. I think it’s interesting because many of us, including myself, are fairly new to sketching and these figures are not necessarily the most gs to sketch. Which leads me to ask, what about them makes them striking to you in particular? For me, it is there immediate drama with the size and light. The shadows cast on them with the limited light present adds a drama to seeing them for the first time. Then I think secondly it is the story behind them that furthers their quality. For me, it is an interesting example of how design can further the impact of art and cultural objects. What do you think?
Colin, going through the class it was pretty apparent to me that many people on the previous trip found these pieces very interesting. Therefore, when I entered the building, these statues were the only piece of art that I knew was in the building. I think what drew me to them the most is certainly the light. When I walked down the stairs and it became more and more dark, entering that room and the (somewhat) bright light hit me. It immediately drew my eyes to these. When I went to examine them closer, the fine details in the pieces really struck me as well. It is awesome to me that people living in that time period has such an appreciation for art and sculpting. And then when I was sketching and examining the shadows, I was amazed that the details carved into this wood was made to create facial features with shadows as well. So I guess what intrigued me the most was the close attention to detail and interesting design with the use of shadows. But what originally caugh my eye was the change of light.