My trip to the Rubin first started with the dreaded commute, although the commute is not liked by many, I happen to enjoy it. I loved how on the way experiencing performers who have all different ways of representing their cultures, or showcasing their special talents. When I got off of the Ferry the first thing I saw was a large crowd rounded around performers who seemed to be mere super humans, doing flips over 5 people, jumping so high it looked like they were flying. I went to the Rubin by myself with my headphones in, I had very minimal distractions and was able to enjoy the art.
The first piece that stood out to me was the statues of the male and female Guardian Dogs, specifically the male dog stood out to me. The dog is portrayed with armor, which alludes to the fact that it is a protector, but the dog manages to look welcoming and a bit goofy. The dog has its tongue out which looks similar to my dog after she plays. The dog actually reminded me a lot of my dog which is why I took to this piece. Besides the three eyes, the bright smile and tongue out is an image that I see often when my dog wants food. However, the statue was much larger, even in a standing position the dog was about 4 feet sitting down, while my dog is about a foot tall while sitting. The dogs were used as protectors, usually at the entrance of a temple, to cast out evil spirits. I feel like these dogs do not appear as protectors, as they look like a friendly dog out of a cartoon, however this cartoon look does make sense because it is believed these dogs have “mythical powers.”
The second piece that stood out to me was the painting of the goddess of energy, Tara. The first thing that stood out was the vibrant, tropical, colors. Originally, I thought Tara was killing the man, due to standing over him, scissors and a sword in hand, and what looks like blood on her mouth, but after some reading it is said Tara is helping cure the man after he drank poison. She is appearing as a mother figure, protecting the lord as he is in such a vulnerable state. And weather the art is interpreted as I did, or by the true meaning, the piece still shows what looks like a society where women are protectors of men, as she portrays prowess while standing over the lord. Her sword, the skulls on her hair and her wings spread wide show her strength and bravery, and create an intimidating effect.
This third piece looked like it was a devil like creature named Ratka who was the supreme ruler, and the figures around the devil were subordinates, maybe his workers, or deity figures who were below him due to his great power. There is a shrine around him, as well as a crown on his head. In addition, the smaller figures around him are worshipping him which confirms that he is above them. The 3 figures on the bottom do not look like they worship him, and they have people worshipping them while Ratka had what looked like deity worshipping him. These 3 figures are still illustrated under Ratka, showing his superiority, which they probably do not like. Maybe the 3 of could combine to be equal to Ratka.
The art at the Ruben had such great magical colors, which gave the effect that almost every piece in the museum was that of a mythical decent, whether they were gods, goddesses, deity, or even a dog, they all looked other worldly powerful. I am not an art enthusiast, and I do not think I will ever be as in touch with art as many artists and art experts are, I do still enjoy the art especially the art of this museum as it was not boring to me.
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