31st July - 17th October 2010
A major international exhibition of around 90 works examining the significance, origins, and influence of the Impressionist garden. This is the first exhibition ever to be devoted to this subject.
Events and activities devised in collaboration with Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Exhibition organised by the National Galleries of Scotland and Museo Thyssen–Bornemisza, Madrid.
The paintings I particularly liked:
Monet – The Lily Pond
This happens to be one of my favourite images from the exhibition. Monet is a great favourite of mine and I was particularly attracted to this painting because of its colourful nature. When I think of new ideas for fashion garments or fabrics I always confide in nature as I find it to be the vastest resource that I know of. This personal aspect enables me to appreciate the depth of this painting in terms of its inspiration and the beauty that is generated from it. To me this creation follows a mystical, dreamlike distortion. Although the subject matter is perfectly and correctly detailed there is an element of haze, possibly due to much reflection. The bright colours and vivid daytime sunlight give the perception of a beautiful day - one which is peaceful, tranquil and quiet. I also think this is why Monet chose to paint this image: it is pleasing on the eye and depicts the essence of summer.
Renoir, Woman with Parasol in a Garden
With this painting I was reminded of a film that I adored as a child – The Secret Garden. The film follows part of growing up through the eyes of a young girl living in a large house with her Aunt and Uncle, following her parent’s death. In the film the young girl dreams of her mother, this scene, to me, is depicted in this painting. Again, there is a hazy distorted look, as if the idea is from a memory. The colours are vivid and bold however, the great desire to see the woman’s face almost hurts. Though it is this desire that strikes human nature, we humans like things to be interesting, and Renoir knew all too well.
My exhibition experience:
I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the National Gallery in Edinburgh, though it was not only the paintings that I found so enjoyable. I am a great fan of architecture and I found the building magnificent, full of character and charm – the type of place you would hope to see such beautiful paintings.
The entrance to the exhibition was ‘hidden away’, I am unsure if this was intentional or otherwise but I did feel that it added to the idea of a gateway to a garden. It was a nice touch. The exhibition itself was spread over several rooms, each painted to suit the mood, colours and style of the paintings, just as a garden would be suited to its surroundings. It was fairly busy with visitors when I was there, though nevertheless, I feel that this added to the excitement and enjoyment gained from the paintings, as you could share your thoughts with others.
There were many artist showcased, some of which I had not heard of before. I can honestly say that I enjoyed all of the work, I am a very subjective person, and did not have any problems or queries with any of the paintings. Not all of the paintings were summery and happy, some were dull and rather colourless though I think this added feelings and mood into the work and helped you appreciate the artist’s work both literally and metaphorically.
I was very impressed during my gallery experience and would definitely consider returning, as long as the standard is maintained I am confident the gallery will receive much praise both for the artist’s work and the execution of the events.
