Manchester Art Gallery

During this visit I discovered many artists who explore landscape more realistically and I found many of the works captivating. For instance, the work which I admired the most was Andrew MacCallum's 'Oak Trees in Sherwood Forest' 1877. The vibrancy of the painting struck me most and I felt as if I experienced the landscape itself. Although such paintings are incredibly different from the style I have worked in, I find it interesting to compare the works and draw similarities between them. The biggest similarity I find, is that the different atmospheres of the environments depicted are overpowering which makes the landscapes immersive.

'Oak Trees in Sherwood Forest' 1877

'Show people the best pictures you can get

of beautiful common things;

make them notice the beauty of form... of colour

and when they next see the thing

which the picture presented,

they will see in it beauty 

which, but for the picture, they would not see.' 

Modern Japanese Design, 4 December 2015 - January 2017

This exhibition showcased, 'Contemporary Japanese fashion, furniture and craft.' and 'themes explore respect for nature and natural forces.' Despite this exhibition not linking to my project entirely, I found many aspects of it interesting as I have always admired Japanese culture. It is also interesting to see how culture in Japan has changed throughout time and this is clear in the sculptures displayed, especially the ceramics.