Why Alice Still Matters
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Lately, I have been obsessed with butterflies and their metamorphosis partly because of transition I am going through with my family. Yet, we are all in a constant transitions throughout our lives. Whether the transition of growing older, changing our life purposes, moving, or simply adjusting to the changes of those around us. The Alice in Wonderland tale still captivates us with its lyrical look at transitions and changes.Still About AliceAlice is everywhere and on everyone's minds right now, from the choice of major books and movie titles ( About Alice, Still Alice... ) to art shows. Even the Metropolitan Museum of Art chose "Through the Looking Glass" as the title for its grand costume exhibit about China...and in case you were wondering, the show has nothing to do with Alice in Wonderland. Why is Alice on everyone's minds and why should we care? An Insiders Looks at British SocietyIt's been 150 years since Lewis Carrol first entertained the Liddell sisters with takes of the whimsical world using the Alice doppelganger. What's fascinating about the exhibit at the Morgan Library in New York ( which is on view until October 11, 2015) is that you really get to know the real characters of Alice and her spoiled sisters. The museum pulls together artifacts such as their purses, gloves and otehr personal objects as well as vintage photos. I loved reading about the proper English upbringing of these girls who not only had their bedtime stories immortalized into classic literature but were also tutored in art by the painter and critic John Ruskin of Pre-Raphaelite fame. |
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Metaphor for the Metamorphosis of AdolescenceA metaphor for the metamorphosis of adolescence, Alice is continually shocked by her own changes. The exhibit really gives you an look at how they arrived at the final illustration, at right with the shocked look on Alice's face and the hair which seems to be uplifted by the wind of her quick growth spurt. |
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Meet the Liddell SistersHere they sit with their impudent stares. The oldest sister, Edith, stares down the photographer with a haughty air while the other two peer out with their impish pouts. Alice is on the left of her sister (right side of photograph) where she sits in the posture of girls her age, legs uncrossed with immature ease. The frilly clothes and richly adorned textiles all give clues on the family's wealth and social status.
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You're nothing but a Pack of Postcardsall illustrated by John Tenniel
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Do you have a favorite Alice in Wonderland character?The crimson faced queen crowned my favorite of the exhibit. The curator carefully shows us how this queen is actually modeled after the Queen of Spades, the card of death. The queen is drawn in full dimensional form, while the emasculated king does not transcend the flatness of a playing card. |
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Hey there, I'm Miriam Schulman and I tell stories (often with watercolor and mixed media) I also teach other people how to express their stories through art. When I'm not working on painting in my art studio, you can find me in museums, spending time with my amazing family or watching Amy Schumer on Comedy Central. (shh...don't tell) Come see what kind of art I create at www.SchulmanArt.com or join the fun at TheInspirationPlace.net |
other stories you might like:
I love going to museums because art helps
me relax and understand my world.