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