Arts and Humanities - Essay Example

The essay aims to provide a detailed analysis of both a piece of architecture and a work of art within one’s community. The discourse likewise aims to apply art concepts to art and architecture in daily life.  Part I would focus on an example of architecture, of which one selected the Capitol Building in Hartford, Connecticut as exemplifying one of the most remarkable structures in the city. Part II, on the other hand, would examine a piece of art, particularly a street mural, which has captured one’s attention, also in Hartford.

Part I: The Capitol Building, Hartford, CT

The structure rises above Capitol Avenue within the picturesque Bushnell Park and showcased magnificence in architectural style. The Capitol Building’s history was traced in 1878 and was reported as “designed by Richard M. Upjohn, a cathedral architect, this High Victorian Gothic style statehouse was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1971 and underwent a restoration between 1979 and 1989” (Capitol Information and Tours par. 2). The golden dome stands out and reflects the Victorian Gothic style. The external facade was reported to be made from “East Canaan, Connecticut marble and granite from Westerly, Rhode Island” (Capitol Information and Tours par. 3). On the other hand, the interior flooring boasts of being inlaid with “white marble and red slate from Connecticut and colored marble from Italy. The stenciling, stained-glass windows, and light fixtures were designed by Boston interior decorator William James McPherson” (Capitol Information and Tours par. 3 & 4). The materials used add functionality in terms of their resilience to external factors and conditions and at the same time add to the aesthetic appeal. The gold-colored dome highlighted accordingly added grandeur. Stilts protruding from diverse triangular rooftops assist in exemplifying the style of the /Victorian Gothic period that feature arches, pointed windows, and other details borrowed from the middle ages (Craven, par. 3). The style was indeed appropriate to define the structure as a historical landmark housing relevant executive and legislative offices of the state.

Part II: Public Art in Hartford, CA

I remembered the public art project that was enjoined to be participated by art enthusiasts to create a street mural as part of the United Arts Week's mural creation behind the Old State House in Hartford. The outline for the mural was courtesy of artist Tao LaBossiere and as captured and preserved on the internet, the event was reported to give leeway for the public “to do the rest, deciding the color, pattern, and style of the final project. The event was part of a week's worth of activities sponsored by the Greater Hartford Arts Council” (Hartford, Courant).

As can be seen, the art theme represented a marine forefront with a ship as the focal point. At the backdrop, diverse architectural structures can be seen: a mosque, a cathedral-type structure, far-away buildings, and even street lamps. With simple painting materials such as chalk and paintbrush, the public’s innovativeness and creativity are relied on for colors and added intricate details, deemed necessary to enliven the mural. The colors used were predominantly light hues of blue, cream, tan, and little shades of yellow and red to enhance details. Artists of both genders and from various ages participated in the street mural.

According to Grosper (2011), public murals are created for the purpose of expressing “the vision, the hope and the loss of a community, often created by a group of people in the act of bringing a neighborhood closer together” (Grosper par. 2). For me, that is precisely the rationale for public art: an opportunity to enjoin the participation of the local community to build camaraderie, to showcase talent, to unite people towards an artistic endeavor. As cited by Grosper, “art encourages people to connect,” Homami says, “so when art is displayed in a public forum or on a public building, people are inclined to feel that this place is connecting with its community, and in turn, they will feel safe in it” (Grosper par. 16).

Personally, public art is a manifestation of team building and creative work. The art terms of innovativeness, creative talent, aesthetic appeal, and the interplay of various colors, themes, and designs through whatever available medium (street, walls, or trees). Public art is a more vivid illustration of the united action of a community since it is widely seen by the rest of the community’s residents. Through this art form, various messages could even be relayed, depending on who sponsored the event. The important element is that a group of talented people was enjoined and encouraged to express their artistic talent for the welfare of the community.