Monthly Archives: November 2010

Walking into the Rubin Museum, one feels immediately at peace in the dimly lit entrance. There is a smell in the air that is reminiscent of old paper—slightly sweet, antiquated and comforting. Moving beyond the reception desk, we are greeted by the sight of a spiral staircase and two bronze lions. A quick glance upwards reveals several floors, and a large glass disk suspended in the empty space around the stairs. The rooms are large and—by the time we arrive—mostly devoid of visitors. But that is fine, because it allows us to appreciate the artwork in silence.

On the second floor, we are greeted with the sight of tapestries and colored cloth hanging all around. Even before looking at the descriptions on the wall, I can easily pick out the Buddhist references and motifs scattered throughout the fabric. The central theme of these pieces seems to be faith and reverence for the gods of Tibetan religion. The images are mostly of notable figures—gods, monks and the like—surrounded by countless smaller images of their followers and lineage.

We are allowed only a quick run around the rest of the exhibits, as the security guard warns us that it is near closing time. She is quick to assure us that we are welcome back at any time though, listing from memory the opening and closing times of the museum for the coming weekend. We use what little time we have left to listen in on a museum guide’s explanation of a goddess’s escape on a horse. She points out curious details that would be ignored by most normal viewers—the presence of an eye on the horse’s rump, which she explains as being formed when the goddess pulled an arrow from its body, as well as the necklace of heads around the deity’s neck.

Overall, I found the art collection of the Rubin museum to be quite unique. Many of its exhibits were centered upon the theme of Asiatic culture and Buddhist religion, and having come from a Buddhist family myself, I could better appreciate what the museum had to offer. To me, the most interesting exhibit was the one titled Embodying the Holy, which compared Buddhist artwork to their Christian counterparts. Seeing all the similarities between how the two religions were depicted really opened my eyes to the fact that they weren’t as different as I’d always imagined them to be.

I, Eliza Cen, verify that  this entry is my sole work and any inclusion of referenced source materials has been noted accordingly.

After visiting the Rubin Museum of Art, it was clear to see that there were many themes present within the art. To begin, there was the common theme of those who were forced to develop a sense of self, whether it be for the common purpose of personal growth, or due to the fact that these individuals were forced to merge with a new community for the first time. While exploring the artwork, it became clear that as a new freshman, I could relate with those depicted within the art. To offer an explanation, as a new student it is necessary to gradually integrate into the community you will grow to be a part of without necessarily losing all that makes up your individual characteristics. It is true that art embodies those characteristics which makeup an individuals identity, simply because art is an expression of self. After exploring the museum, it was clear to see that pieces of art are based upon fundamental details of the opinions of an individual. An artist creates a piece of art based upon what is beautiful to the author. In other words, in the matter of pieces of art, beauty is based upon the eye of the beholder, which is an outward expression of individual identity.

While observing the bustling main floor of the museum, it seemed as if other individuals were at the museum to experience the same feelings: a sense of self, an overwhelming idea of beauty, and notions of wonder. Experiencing this environment becomes an overpowering awareness of involvement and joy, as if it is possible to relate with those featured in the exhibits, and wonder if they too were forced to come into their own when they were faced with a new chapter in their lives. This idea allowed me to shift to a new idea, asking myself if I was being true to myself while transitioning into a sea of diversity and anonymity, or if I was acting as a mold in order to easily make the progression from a high school student living in Florida, to a college student living in New York City. After thinking over the uncertainty probed by visiting the museum, I came to the realization that throughout the time being at Baruch College I was able to grow into a respectable student, intern, and family member. At this diverse college I was able to successfully develop a sense of self and be happy with the self that I had grown into.

After this trip to the museum, I learned that each and every individual is at one point faced with the challenge of escaping their comfort zone and to face the world in their own skin. I was able to connect with photographs and artwork on display at the Rubin Museum of Art and to experience how art can be part of the transition into developing an understanding of who you are, and what it is you stand for.

I, Ellie Eckert, verify that this entry is my sole work and any inclusion of any referenced source material has been noted accordingly.