A Year of Self/World/Life Discovery

Friday, September 3, 2010

UrbanArt

I am growing fond of street art. It adds such a raw, organic, and intriguing element to cities...

St. Petersburg

I have yet to adjust to Eastern European culture....Though I need to be culturally relative and disregard my American expectations/societal standards my perception of this place is still masked by the luxuries and social learning I have grown so accustomed to.

From the language barriers and lack of patience to assist a desperate traveler, to the anger and frustration that engulfs Russians when asked to do their job, I find myself growing resentment to this part of the world.  The history surrounding this country is astounding, but I feel hated because of my citizenship. Do we as Americans have such high expectations for service, cleanliness, and assistance that we are constantly let down?!

Flying High

One of the most entertaining parts of Budapest was relaxing in the park and people watching. The man below, whom I assume is a clown or crazy gypsy, spent about a half hour trying to get this National Hungarian-colored kite in the air. It was quite amusing and I could appreciate his efforts for the simple gratification he sought...

Warholing

As most of you know I’m quite the Andy Warhol fan and after a recent exhibition I can understand my fascination with his work. The exhibit featured a 3-D portrayal of Warhol’s many colorful works. Each element of the picture was individually dementionalized as to catch the every facet of his creativity. 

My question was however, are we as a society overstimualted to the point where each form of art is not complete without some form of multi-sensory stimulation. From multi-media platforms to the remixing and recreation of original works. If one compares the time and efforts put into classic pieces, relative to what is produced today, what is high art? What is organic? 


Budapest


An understated city in Eastern Europe, lies the great Budapest. Like most other European capitals old authentic architecture can be found in every corner. The history that surrounds this Hungarian city has seen hostile takeovers, wars, and vast changes in government and military control. 

The House of Terror, though sounding like cheesy carnival ride, is one of the most amazing museums I have ever seen. It shows an in depth look at the rise and falls of Nazi control to the later communist uprising and eventual Soviet takeover. Unlike most exhibits that leave the guest to see a picture and read the history behind, the House was unlike any other. Stimulating every sense it moved even the most skeptical museum go-er

If you have been to the Holocaust Museum or the Museum of Tolerance it is similar, but on even most extreme scale. Honestly, a definite highlight on this trip.