Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: CLEAR AS MUD (07/18/19)
-
TITLE: Beauty in the Why of the Boulder | Previous Challenge Entry
By Barbara Culler
07/23/19 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
In this particular instance of questionable art, the creator planned to suspend a 340-ton granite boulder to the top of a 15-foot tall trench. At 456 feet in length, the passageway was intended for viewers to walk beneath, and contemplate the rock from all angles. Now, I understand that there are different interpretations of what is considered art; something that one person views as beautiful or amazing, others see as hideous or ridiculous. Art is meant to be appreciated by its beauty or power to bring out emotions, but it was beyond my comprehension that a monstrous chunk of nature could be regarded as worthy of display at the prestigious museum of art.
It was February of 2012, and there was quite the media frenzy regarding the relocation of the massive stone from its quarry in a nearby city, to the museum typically 45-minutes away. Being the highlight of the local news, reporters endlessly explained how the transfer would happen and the circuitous route needed in order to avoid overpasses and other obstacles. The boulder and its entourage traveled at night, when there was less traffic, and had scheduled daytime stops. Work crews labored ahead of the convoy, trimming back trees and brush, and sometimes removing illegally parked cars or signage along the course. At the cost of 10 million dollars, the normally 60-mile trip became 102 miles, and took 11 days from start to finish.
Being preoccupied with work, I had not paid attention to the details of when and where it would pass through my city, so was met with a big surprise en route to work that Thursday morning. Driving four miles from home and entering a left turn lane, I observed a line up of cars and heavy equipment parked at the usually empty lot. Waiting for the light to change, I stared at the activity until I saw what was going on; there was the rock! Not being on a time constraint, I pulled an impatient U-turn in the unusually heavy morning traffic and parked alongside other curious visitors.
Walking over to the cordoned-off spectacle, I stared in amazement. The enormous white-shrink-wrapped boulder sat nestled in the belly of a super-sized red and yellow carrier known as a transporter. The bold color contrast of the fire-engine-red and school-bus-yellow transporter, combined with the boulder’s snow-white wrapping stood out against the background of the blue sky of early morning. At 21.5 feet in height, workers milling around the machinery were diminutive in comparison to the enormity of the rock. I snapped a few pictures before heading off to work, and listened in to local reporters interviewing staff and bystanders. Most felt that seeing this ensemble was impressive, but couldn’t fathom how this large boulder should be considered art.
When the rock commenced its midnight move, the entire convoy crept through the street fronting my condo complex. I was weary from a long day at work, and choose to sleep rather than venture out alone into the chilly darkness. I later regretted not taking the opportunity to watch its passage.
Surprisingly, I never went to see the completed exhibit, for I considered it anti-climatic after seeing the mammoth rock cradled in a massive trailer. Admittedly, it was exciting to witness the one-of-a-kind event in my own neighborhood, but I still don’t understand how the monolithic exhibit can be considered pleasurable to the senses. I guess that art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. But why put so much effort and expense into this monstrosity of debatable art? I just don’t get it.
Videos of the boulder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCW0suiGZKQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD_6az-OI_A
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
I've gone back to school for a degree in graphic design, so I've had to take various art classes. In one class we had a discussion about this very topic: what makes art, art? We all agreed that beauty is definitely in the eye of he beholder. My final project was based around a visit to a local art museum. I have to admit that after having been through the class, I viewed each piece a lot differently than I would have prior. However, I still marvel at certain works of "art" at which I simply shake my head.
I think I would have liked to see such a boulder!
You did a great job of describing the journey and your experience in it.
Blessings~