the challenge
It’s the fourth part of my Art 101 challenge — exploring artworks in a museum and capturing insights inspired by seempli Seeds.
The next Seed I played with is the Genesis Seed. I felt I had to find something to justify such a meaningful title. And luckily, I did.
my insight
Just like the Insight I shared yesterday, this Insight would have eluded me under normal circumstances. I found it in an exhibition dedicated to modern interpretations of Jewish ceremonial artifacts — not my first choice of an exhibition to explore. And yet, when I saw this object from a distance, I had to get closer and have a better look, even before I knew what I was looking at.
This tree-like structure was a perfect match to the Genesis Seed. Its delicate branches and the way they connect to form a bigger more stable structure fascinated me. I thought it could easily symbolize the act of creation — where things start.
It was only when I found the description of this strange artifact that I realized that was indeed its essence. It is a modern interpretation of the Jewish Chuppah — a canopy under which a Jewish couple stand during their wedding ceremony — created by Vered Kaminski.
What could represent a Genesis better than the moment when a new family is being formed? What could symbolize genesis more than a tree? And when the two are combined, they fit so perfectly together that one must wonder how come this perfect structure doesn’t become a mandatory item in each wedding.
reflection
Once again it was the Seed and the exploration mindset that led me toward something I could have easily missed. I wasn’t planning to visit this exhibition, and even if I had seen this beautiful object, chances are that I wouldn’t have stopped to explore it and understand what is it I am looking at if it weren’t for the creative challenge.
But what I found great about this specific Insight is that the interpretation I gave it before I knew what it was, aligned perfectly with that of the artist. I always say any interpretation is valid — there is no right or wrong answer, not in art nor in any other thing we experience. And yet, the idea that the artist was trying to send a message through her artwork, and that I, the observer, got it even before knowing all the details behind this piece, is amazing. I think every artist wishes they would be able to do that.
To be continues tomorrow…
mental notes
- When experiencing art, try to sense it — to get the message (any message) before reading its description.
now it is your turn… be creative!