Activism or Vandalism: Van Gogh’s Art Targeted by Soup

 

Phillipa Green, Stephen Simpson and Mary Somerville at the National Gallery in London

 

    On September 30th, three activists entered the National Gallery in London and threw the contents of a Heinz tinned soup onto Van Gogh's famous Sunflowers paintings as part of an environmental protest against the damaging effects of the oil industry on our planet. A similar incident occurred in 2022, prompting the National Gallery to ban bringing food and drinks onto the premises.

    One may wonder: do these sorts of attacks effectively highlight the cause? Activists upset many people with their controversial methods, yet their intention is to convey that the nature depicted in the artworks is in danger and requires protection, along with the systemic changes that are not currently in place. They argue that they don’t cause any lasting damage to the paintings since they are protected by thick glass. However, gallery curators claim that damage to the expensive frames and walls occur with repair costs estimated between £10,000 and £20,000. While this might sound exaggerated, it underscores the fact that some work to restore the display will be required.

    Industrialists and governments seem to be unmoved by the tangible effects of climate change—such as droughts, floods, and wildfires. Is it realistic to expect an oil company executive to shut down their business and suddenly begin installing wind turbines just because someone threw soup on an oil painting in a distant fine art gallery?

    We often see activists as extreme, detached, and even contemptuous of societal norms. In some ways, they do highlight issues that are crucial to us all. Right cause, wrong method? One could say that. Yet, there seems to be an underlying logic: if nothing else works, maybe this will shake the public and refocus the conversation.

    Although driven by noble intentions, activists often target an easy option: an art gallery that isn’t prepared for such attacks. In this context, Van Gogh's painting becomes a vulnerable victim in an unrelated battle. Is it activism or vandalism? If anyone else, without a "higher" motive, walked into a gallery and threw soup on a famous painting, they would surely not be able to walk away without consequences.

    Disrespecting art, which often embodies higher ideals, seems inappropriate—regardless of the cause. While I appreciate the protestors' courage to stand up for their beliefs, I think they should reconsider their methods. Splashing a tin of soup on a painting in the National Gallery is unlikely to lead to real change in the oil industry; in fact, it may undermine environmental efforts by causing them to be taken less seriously. While protests are necessary, especially as our planet faces an uncertain future, the format of these actions requires more in-depth thought and reflection.

 

Agnes Prygiel

20.10.2024

An Evening with Bob Dylan’s Art

 

    A few weeks ago, I had the chance to attend the preview of Bob Dylan’s selection of artworks at Castle Fine Art Gallery in Glasgow. It’s always a pleasure to visit this gallery – not just for the art but also for the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

    Bob Dylan’s Artistic Evolution

    The exhibition featured limited edition prints, all signed by Dylan and available for purchase by the general public. Who knew Dylan, an iconic singer and musician, also had an eye for visual arts? One piece that really stood out to me was a minimalist sketch of a riverbank with boats – simple yet captivating. It’s interesting to see how the artist's style is evolving, as he searches for his visual language. His inspiration comes from various places: the small shops and petrol stations of American towns he’s likely passed through on tour, to lockdown paintings influenced by cinematography.

    Celebrity Art: Johnny Depp and Billy Connolly

    The gallery also showcased signed, limited edition prints by Johnny Depp, as well as works by Scottish comedian and actor Billy Connolly, featuring his humorous black-and-white drawings, sculptures, and colourful limited editions.

    A Destination for Art Collectors

    If you love art and are considering purchasing a contemporary piece, Castle Fine Art Galleries are worth a visit. The Glasgow location, in particular, is a must-see! With its eclectic collection and professional assistance, the gallery continually pushes creative boundaries, offering artworks that can complement both office and private spaces.

Agnes Prygiel

19.10.2024

Degas at The Burrell Collection - Expanding Cultural Access

 

 

    Discovering Degas

    I recently visited The Burrell Collection in Glasgow for their stunning Degas exhibition – a brilliant selection of pastels, oil paintings, and sketches. It was an unforgettable experience, and I was fortunate to get a guided tour of the rest of the gallery. The visit not only deepened my appreciation for Degas but also allowed me to learn about William Burrell—a businessman who in 1944 generously donated his entire art collection to the city of Glasgow.

     Lasting Impressions

    Although it has been a few weeks since the exhibition (which ran until the end of September), it was so memorable that it feels like it was just yesterday. The way Degas layered numerous shades of paint or pastel brought an incredible vibrancy to his works. Seeing his pieces up close, I felt almost as if I had him beside me. As an artist, I had studied his work throughout my school and university, but seeing it in person and so closely was a whole different experience. The artworks haven’t aged or deteriorated at all in over 100 years!

    Respecting Femininity

    It was also very interesting to see the way Degas portrayed women, as they were a frequent subject of his studies. He sketched many nudes of females from lower classes, but the way he approached these subjects suggested he focused on light and form rather than just their bodies. Some contemporaries claimed he was cruel, often asking his models to stand still on one leg or assume other uncomfortable poses for prolonged periods while he drew them. Despite this, what comes across to me is a sense of respect for women in the way he avoided sexual objectification. In a way, Degas was a feminist—or so his work comes across to me.

    The Legacy of William Burrell

    This exhibition was also a tribute to the visionary collectors of the time, like William Burrell, whose passion for art and culture led them to build extensive collections. Burrell, an industrialist from a non-elitist background, believed in making art accessible to everyone and in educating people about culture.Thanks to these collectors, we now have access to famous pieces by Degas and other painters.

    Cultural Connections

    The visit to The Burrell Collection has been so impactful that it inspired me to include museum tours in my work with The Loft Creative CIC. I would like to offer free art experiences for those who may not have had the chance to explore galleries before. My hope is to inspire and educate the people of Ayrshire and the surrounding areas about the transformative power of cultural experiences—much like William Burrell did with his own vision of accessibility. I believe this project has the potential to grow, enabling many people to benefit from the cultural connections and interactions that they might not otherwise have had access to.

Agnes Prygiel

19.10.2024

Wonka: A Tale of Talent and Triumph

A Cinematic Journey into Sweet Ambitions

 

    Wonka, a heartwarming cinematic gem released just before Christmas, reimagines Roald Dahl's classic with a delightful twist. The film, led by the talented Timothée Chalamet, beautifully captures the transformative power of friendship and ambition—infused with a layer of chocolate magic!

    As the story unfolds, a charming young entrepreneur with a gift for crafting delightful confectioneries ventures into Europe to establish his shop at the prestigious Galeries Gourmet. He faces obstacles as a ruthless chocolate cartel seeks to suppress him. The plot thickens as Wonka becomes ensnared in a deceptive tenancy agreement orchestrated by the infamous Mrs. Scrubitt, portrayed by Olivia Coleman. 

    His love for sweets and generous personality are not enough to navigate the hurdles but he is fortunate to meet a group of like-minded individuals ready to help him. United, they establish a bold underground network with a singular objective: conquering Europe with the irresistible allure of chocolate!

    The movie's delightful visual scenery blends elements of reimagined London, Paris, Lisbon, and Brussels into an enchanting wintery landscape. Imagination flourishes as whimsical props, including Wonka's portable chocolate-making machine, steal the spotlight.

    Beyond its entertainment value, the movie encourages reflection on the importance of literacy. Through Wonka's unability to read, the film highlights global education challenges.

    In conclusion, Wonka is more than just a movie; it's a heartfelt journey that captures the essence of friendship, resilience, and the magic of creativity. With its imaginative visuals and a cast that breathes life into each character, the film stands as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling.

 

 Agnes Prygiel, 07/01/2023

 

Snow's Machiavellian Ascent to Power

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

     "The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" is "The Hunger Games" prequel about Coriolanus Snow's rise to power and presidency over the republic of Panem. We see him as a young idealist, unspoiled, ambitious, and driven by the aspiration to provide for his impoverished family. In order to survive in politics and to have any importance, he needs to play by the cruel rules he initially disagrees with.

    The movie offers an interesting insight into the future dictator's character, portraying him as an exceptionally intelligent individual who strategically and calculatedly navigates his circumstances to avoid becoming a victim. Beautifully portrayed by Tom Blyth, Coriolanus Snow progresses from a pawn to a king at a personal cost, leaving emotions and sentiments behind. When we meet him years later, we never expect that at some point in his life, he was just like anybody else—hopeful, a bit naive, and in love.

 

Agnes Prygiel, 13/12.2023