The Simala Shrine in Cebu is renowned for its miraculous Virgin Mary, who is believed to bring career success. Situated in Sibonga, Cebu, I had the chance to visit this impressive destination last summer and was amazed by its architectural beauty. The building’s grandeur rivals that of a palace, evoking a sense of awe similar to that of a Vatican church. Amongst the countless mural paintings adorning the church walls, it was the picture displayed above that truly captured my interest.
The mural painting featured in the film portrays the Apparitions of Mary. The movie explores the definition of art, highlighting its standards, techniques, compositions, colors, and subjects. However, art only becomes recognized as such when someone designates it as such. Nonetheless, art retains its status as long as individuals personally perceive it as such. It is crucial to surpass conventional ideas and embrace new concepts to genuinely comprehend the essence of art.
There are resemblances between Ms. Katherine Watson and the Mona Lisa. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is a renowned half-length portrait that is acclaimed as the most famous, most visited, most written about, most sung about, and most parodied piece of artwork in existence. While little information is available about the actual Mona Lisa herself, parallels can be drawn between her and Ms. Katherine Watson in the film Mona Lisa Smile. In the movie, Wellesley College’s school paper publishes an article authored by her student Betty Warren that focuses on Ms. Watson. Similar to how everyone is captivated by the Mona Lisa, Ms. Watson enthralls those around her with her constant openness and willingness to assist her students.
The portrait of Mona Lisa depicts her sitting upright with her hands crossed near her lower abdomen, creating a welcoming appearance. The question of whether a painting should appear realistic is subjective and ultimately up to the artist’s discretion. In some cases, incorporating unrealistic elements can draw attention to specific details. While painting in a realistic manner showcases skill and can capture beauty, art encompasses more than just technical proficiency. Artists carefully consider their goals when deciding what to paint. For instance, when creating a portrait of a person, it is not always necessary to include a detailed background. Sometimes, the background consists of indistinct colors or meaningless patterns to ensure that the person remains the focal point.
