There is nothing like an afternoon covered in clouds, a continuous drizzle and a gloomy atmosphere, though in London we have many of those. But instead of sitting in my room, stuck behind a book or on my laptop, it’s always so nice to walk around one of London’s incredible museums and the Victoria & Albert Museum never seems to disappoint. You may know from my Art Feeds that it is one institution that I visit quite often. When Art Feeds contacted me to share a bit on how art impacts my life, I thought it would was only appropriate to walk some 15 minutes from my flat and introduce them to a few important pieces housed in the grandeur walls of the Victoria & Albert Museum that I love visiting often!
zephyr & flora // antonio corradini c. 1719-23
When you walk straight through the atrium of the Victoria & Albert Museum, you’re welcomed into a well-lit hall with the prettiest of mosaic-tiled floors. And one of the first statues you see is that of Zephyr and Flora. It used to belong to a series of garden sculptures that Corradini supplied to Augusts the Stron, Elector of Saxony, for his gardens. Flora was the Roman goddess of flowers and the wife of Zephyr, the west wind of springtime. The flowers they hold represent the annual rebirth of nature and it’s only perfect to share this as we enter this new season just now. It’s a new beginning.
native lady of umritsur // c. 1880
Then you walk through a passageway where you are greeted by the majestic elements of Indian architecture and interiors of the Victoria & Albert Museum. And one painting that stands erect is the one you see above. The painting from the Colonial Period in India. A type of European Academic painting, serves to record costume and jewelry in the region. The painting serves as a symbol where Eastern tradition juxtaposes with Western ideals very much depicting growing up in America as an Indian. This is by far my favorite piece in the Victoria & Albert Museum.
the toilette // charles robert leslie c. 1849
Formerly called The Necklace. The woman in the painting is of mixed cultures, Irish and Spanish and quite famous for her ‘raven black hair and arched eyebrows’. Leslie was brought up in the United States, but worked in London. I don’t think I need to explain this one to tell you how this painting demonstrates my life in every way.
Love Naively. Give Generously. Be Foolishly Compassionate.
Art Feeds exists to feed creative development and facilitate emotional expression in children. An organization that I am truly passionate for, as it enables children to express themselves and share their beliefs and opinions creatively. Art is so powerful, one of the only concepts in our society that blends the human creative skill with imagination producing work that are powerful beyond measure. This season, if you want to give a holiday gift with a social impact, visit Art Feeds’ online store! All proceeds goes towards ensuring children find meaning through art.
