In the Garden

{Monet - Water Lilies}

During my accidental sojourn in Madrid due to the volcanic ash cloud - I stumbled upon an art exhibit that appeared interesting.

And after finding it was free, it became all the more intriguing.

While usually I peruse museums with a focus on gaining info from the tiles to the side of the paintings (admitted), this exhibit was unique in that the meaning of each painting hinged upon the form of the prior, forcing the audience to focus on the Form, instead of

the Thought behind the Form.

I've always known and enjoyed the work of Monet. But what I didn't know was that his abstract expressionism was almost completely forgotten in the early 1950's, at which point there was a revival by followers who imitated his tendencies - "Monet Concepts" - effects of light, reflections and transparencies, contrasts of forms, etc. These now appear in most avenues of art and modern forms. Because this exhibit was arranged so that Monet's paintings were juxtaposed with works by his successors in abstraction, it drew clear attention {Monet - Willow Tree}

to parallels in the works.

This criss-cross of artists

allowed one to see the link of Monet's aesthetics interpreted and included within a whole new style.

This spoke to me.

Though a work may appear purely original, what I found brilliant in this exhibit was the idea that each work includes an aspect of someone else's, to form a completely new experience.

Every "original thought" is linked back to an earlier "original thought", deeming nothing wholly&completely "original"...

while at the same time, exploring a new wavelength, heightened concept, deepened view of the original idea.

{Joan Mitchell - Linden Tree}

Another thought: the Influence each person has on the next.

When Monet created his "Water Lillies" or "Charing Cross Bridge," he wasn't aware of what he was bringing to the art world. Or that a new art movement would spring forth. And now, threads of him lie in most avenues of art.

Whether we admit it or not, we are a collection of others. A passing comment, word of advice, look from a stranger. Quote from a book, best friendship... worst enemy.

This is how we are built.

And I think it is wonderful.

{Mark Rothko - Untitled}