We’ve asked FWMoA staff the hardest question you can ask art museum people: so, what is your favorite artwork currently on display? As “art museum people”, we often get asked about our favorite artists, artworks, and the art we choose to hang on our own walls. Since not all of our staff are front-end, and not all of them write for the blog, this series gives everyone a chance to get to know them, too. Taking advantage of our rotating exhibitions of artworks, from painted portraits to sculpted bronzes, FWMoA staff from all departments are choosing artworks that enthrall and enchant them; or, in other words, playing favorites.
Meet the FWMoA Teen Council! Ambassadors for the FWMoA, the Teen Council is led by local youth and provides opportunities for leadership, creativity, and learning through arts programs. In its third year, you’ve met previous members Megan True and Bayan Yunis, as well as current members Sophia Zhang, Jenna Jorgenson and Ash Bushnell. Over the course of the next few months we’re asking all members, new and returning, to introduce themselves through a favorite work on display at FWMoA. Here’s new member Sidra Shams’ pick:
Q: What is the first thing you noticed about this artwork? What drew you to this particular piece?
A: What drew me to this piece were the recurring patterns, which make the art look like a never-ending tunnel. Something else that caught my attention is the human heads around the tunnel.
Q: Would you hang this artwork in your home? Why or why not?
A: I would definitely hang this artwork in my home because it gives me hope that perhaps there is a place where everyone is immortal and I can be with people I love forever.
Q: What does this artwork mean to you?
A: Apparently, Tim Tate was inspired by the experience of losing his friends; he made this art in hopes of finding a place where everybody is immortal.
Tim Tate combines glass with technology into an infinity mirror. It is said that if you see past 13 images, you are seeing into the next world.
Grief brings out the best in an artist; grieving the loss of his friends, he tries to find ways to satisfy his aching heart. In an attempt, he makes an art piece which makes an illusion of looking into infinity. Mostly artists use skulls, and they represent mortality, but Tate uses human heads all around a flower and they all lead to infinity. The flowers can represent death. At some point, everyone is immortal.
Q: Why did you choose to join Teen Council?
A: I love art and I appreciate artistic talent. It is fun to hang out with people your age who share the same interests as you do.
Q: What kind of art do you have in your home?
A: My mom does really good embroidery designs, and we frame them and hang them in the house.
See Sidra’s favorite artwork on display at FWMoA in our Glass Wing.