My time at the Night at the Museum trip was a really fun and unique experience; being in a museum closed off to the public, free to wander and observe many pieces in a short amount of time with peers, was very enjoyable. My favorite part of this opportunity, aside from viewing the many beautiful pieces on display, was being surrounded by diverse minds that I could hear and involve myself with in discussion, proving to me that art is truly subjective and that everyone has a different interpretation.

Upon entering the fifth floor, I was surrounded by protest art, especially many works depicting protests relevant to the United States and even New York City (which, from bias, was my favorite). For example, my group gravitated toward the large painting labeled Shifting the Gaze. This painting appeared to be painted over in thick white strokes, covering its initial beauty. However, it was done in a strategic and rather symbolic manner. The White family members’ bodies were covered, leaving the Black boy, the family’s servant, completely uncovered and thus the new focal point of the painting. This made it so the audience focused on the commonly overlooked subject, which was originally camouflaged. The history of this art fascinated me, especially since it was done to make light of the underrepresented community rather than hiding them. 

     

Additionally, I found that this museum was most fitting for embodying the many types of art we have learned about in class. For example, many oil paintings often depict noble persons and possessions as repetitively indicated by John Berger. Being able to see these many oil paintings extremely up close made light how realistic and textured these paintings truly feel. Another display I have not yet experienced was the art storage room. Although to me it seemed like a small-scale Ikea at first, it actually had quite an impressive assortment of art pieces, varying from furniture to canvases, which struck my interest. I was left curious as to why these many pieces were in storage, as to me it appeared random. I did enjoy this randomness, however, it was entertaining jumping from one thing to the next.

Overall, on the Macaulay Night at the Museum trip, I had a fun time looking at the extremely versatile displays together with my friends. The trip has also opened my eyes to methods of art I have learned about but have not viewed yet first-hand.