My 10 Most Influential Works of Art
As we reflect during this time of isolation, we are compelled to think about the impact of the arts on our lives and society. Collectively, we don’t know what the future holds or what the world post-pandemic will be like, but we anticipate it might be different than we are used to. And while we eagerly await the days when we can safely visit galleries and museums to see artwork in person, we thought it would be fun to investigate how and what artistic influences have shaped our respective perspectives.
So, we asked the question of our staff, “What pieces of art have had the biggest influence on you?”
First up, our Marketing Coordinator Katie Chidester, shares her answers:
Portrait of Giovanni Arnolfini and his Wife
Jan van Eyck
I remember learning about this piece of art in my Western Civilization class in high school. We discussed much of it’s symbolism (and how looking pregnant post the Black Plague was considered fashionable). Years later when I went to London, I had a short window of time at the National Gallery. I sped through corridors and halls, looking to see it in person - I finally caught sight of it while I was running past a room and almost skidded to go back to it. I was giddy seeing it in person and couldn’t believe my good fortune of catching it before I had to leave.
Christina’s World
Andrew Wyeth
I have a vague recollection of this image being on a book I read as a young adult. It’s such a compelling piece since it asks the viewer to put their own narrative on it. I eventually was fortunate to see it in its home at MoMA and I still contemplate what is happening and slightly uneasy tone.
Primavera
Sandro Botticelli
How are you not completely charmed by this piece of art?! I had never seen it before I went to the Uffuzi in Florence, only knowing Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Equally as impressive, but I was overwhelmed with this particular piece and loved mythology and the anthropomorphising of the season!
Three Graces: Les Trois Femmes Noires
Mickalene Thomas
At the Raleigh Museum of Art, this large artwork is dynamic and impressively overwhelming. Thomas uses Botticelli’s Primavera (above!) as inspiration to create this ode to The Graces of mythology, which she disrupts by using contemporary women going out for the night. This photo does not do the work justice (what photo does?) because you miss seeing the reflection and sparkle in the piece - it’s a showstopper.
Moby Dick
Lookingglass Theater in partnership with South Coast Repertory Theatre
As a theater artist, I could have picked a million different stage performances that have influenced me. But this piece of theater - part immersive experience, part acrobatics, part visual poetry- made such an impression on me that I have definitely incorporated elements of this show in my own stage work. It continues to haunt me and I frequently remind myself about how it personally challenged me on the potential of storytelling.
Gone: An Historical Romance of a Civil War as It Occurred b’tween the Dusky Thighs of One Young Negress and Her Heart
Kara Walker
Seeing this installation at MoMA took my breath away. Partially in delight and partially in horror. And what more can you ask from art that challenges you to reexamine the foundation of your “knowledge”?
Portrait of a Young Girl, after Cranach the Younger, II (Portrait de jeune fille, d'après Cranach Le Jeune, II)
Pablo Picasso
I first learned what a linocut was in my Introduction to Art History class at Fullerton College. I had never seen this piece of art before and immediately fell in love with the geometric shapes and colors.
Next Floor
a short film by Denis Villeneuve
One of my favorite galleries is the Weatherspoon Art Gallery in Greensboro, North Carolina. This incredible video played on a loop for an exhibition related to food and consumption. Gorgeous, unsettling, visceral and tongue-in-cheek satire, I was drawn to this visual story.
Time Transfixed (La Durée poignardée)
René Magritte
This painting unnerves me in ways I have difficulty explaining. My sister took me to a Magritte exhibition at LACMA, which was my first introduction to Surrealism and I was floored. There were many incredible artworks in the exhibit but Time Transfixed immediately stood out. I returned to it many times during my visit trying to interpret my own reaction to it. I was compelled to do more research about the piece and Surrealism, in general, which provided a better understanding that my reaction was common and even intended. I’ve grown to appreciate the intellectual concept of the movement. But this piece still unnerves me.
The Butcher Bunny
Mark Ryden
The unhinged joy of this piece is a constant favorite. I would also like a pet Lincoln.
If you had to pick just 10 pieces of art (or even just one) that has influenced or made an impact on your life, what would they be? Share in the comments below!
