Ellie Shalvarjian
Staff Writer
El Segundo Museum of Art’s latest exhibit “Plans” is a thought-provoking and inspiring ode to the uncertain future that the viewers have and the related plans one makes or breaks along with it.
The stimulating exhibit, containing a majority of East European and Soviet artwork, focuses on the plans one makes and the way they change due to events that occur. The exhibit does not only impress due to incredible artwork, it additionally has several learning experiences that go along with it, further enhancing the experience
This exhibit plays off of the subject of time and how things change incredibly often, the general focus is fascinating and extremely well represented.. There are several objects on display, such as war medals for the Third World War, that play off of what the artist believes will happen within the following years. Additionally, there are several photographs and art pieces that focus on events that have happened in the past, such as the stock market crash.
The objects and paintings were vibrant, thought-provoking, and beautiful. Many of the paintings are extremely interesting due to all of the small details they include. Additionally, the paintings in certain areas all center around the same theme which makes it easy and convenient to view paintings related to each other. However, since there are no plaques or information on the wall to go along with the artwork, pointing out it’s meaning or background information, much of the artwork is up to personal interpretation by the viewer.
A majority of the information that the viewer obtains is through online resources, such as the virtual gallery on the El Segundo Museum of Art’s website that names the artwork and artist. Additionally, there are several tablets set up around the exhibit where the viewer can research information. While this still is helpful, the experience is diminished by having to research a majority of the information online rather than being conveniently located in front of the viewer.
Along with several learning tools online, El Segundo Museum of Art is also doing a special experience piece with this exhibit called “Experience 21: Plan.” This experience includes a plethora of free educational experiences to enhance the exhibit such as a mindfulness workshop, a movie night, and a senior drawing club most of which are free and all ages. These extra experiences all tie back to the original theme of “Plans” and enhance the experience greatly by creating a collaborative and creative environment to focus on art.
Overall, the exhibit was a brilliant representation of the uncertainty of the future and how things may change along the way. With beautiful artwork, an interesting layout, and helpful resources this exhibit is outstanding and an extremely eye opening experience. While there were minor problems, such as a lack of conveniently placed information, the overall brilliance of the exhibit makes up for it.
“Plans” opened on February 21 and is planned to run until May 22 at El Segundo Museum of Art, admission is free and there is no need to reserve tickets beforehand.
Leave a Reply