While in London, I did not make it to any museums for the sole reason that we were so busy running about seeing the sights on the streets! I had the fortunate experience of having my friend Will, who is a native of London, show me around the city. We wanted to make it to the National Gallery, but it just did not end up happening, as I was only there for less than 48 hours.
I still managed to find art in London, though! I have become particularly fond of finding art in unexpected places over the course of this semester. Here, we were at a skate park under the bridge in Waterloo, and it was covered in graffiti. However, it was the refined sort of graffiti, the kind that looks like it was intentionally put there. Everything was harmonious, and nothing clashed. It was tons of different artists' creative perspective all combined onto one single canvas. I like graffiti a lot because of that - it takes the traditional canvas and throws it out the window. It also allowed the skaters that use the park to make the space their own.
I still managed to find art in London, though! I have become particularly fond of finding art in unexpected places over the course of this semester. Here, we were at a skate park under the bridge in Waterloo, and it was covered in graffiti. However, it was the refined sort of graffiti, the kind that looks like it was intentionally put there. Everything was harmonious, and nothing clashed. It was tons of different artists' creative perspective all combined onto one single canvas. I like graffiti a lot because of that - it takes the traditional canvas and throws it out the window. It also allowed the skaters that use the park to make the space their own.
There is a second hand book market that is always under the Waterloo bridge as well, and is one of Will's favorite spots. There were all sorts of books, collector's items, and art prints. I loved the artwork of Elton John on the cover of this book about his life. I had never seen it before, but it reminds me of Willy Wonka. I think it's the bright colors and the big glasses. I am a big fan of Elton John and was sad I didn't get to stalk him in Nice, so seeing this book was a nice little treat.
Here is the statue of Queen Victoria that is in front of Buckingham Palace in London. This statue is grand and commands the space around it, even though there isn't really much movement to the piece. The queen sits very regally, and the viewer has to look up at her. She is grandiose in size, and gazes out straight ahead, as if she is looking over the entirety of the lawns behind the palace and beyond. Her scepter gives her a sense of authority, and her flowing robes keep the statue from seeming static. The pool of water around her further separates her from the people at the bottom, which puts her up even higher on a pedestal. It is a very regal statue, and she looks powerful, which I really enjoyed. God save the Queen!