When I was visiting Williams College this summer for my mom's 30th reunion, one of her former classmates rented out the Clark Museum just for her class. The Clark Museum had just put up a new exhibit which featured nude painting from various eras in Europe. As I strolled through this intense exhibit with some of the most brilliant and education human beings in the entire world, I ended up having some very interesting conversations. Unfortunately, they didn't allow me to take photos.
I was talking to one of my mom's close friend Jen about how the depiction of women have changed in from then to now. For me personally it was very interesting comparing these two times. Today, within the click of a series of buttons, I could send a nude image to over 100 boys in my contacts. However back then (sorry don't remember the dates), men had to travel to private rooms where these erotic images were stored. It was a cultural taboo to go to these "art brothels" but today it can become almost like a competition to see who can get girls to send the most nudes.
This striking contrast has circled through my mind throughout my summer, even though it has been over a month since I was there.
I think what was also interesting about this exhibit was that the focus was on the theme rather than the aesthetic of the art itself. Of course, it was an art gallery like there is going to be focus on the art but when the guides were taking us through they really wanted us to look at the big picture. If you asked me what medium most of the pieces were in - I couldn't tell you. But I think that represents a bigger point. Art can be examined and different levels. It just depends how far we want to zoom out.
Overall, my trip to the Clark Museum was a fantastic experience.
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