The Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC is both a timeless building and a work of art. It was designed with a contemporary style, serving as an outward expression of the artistic treasures it houses. I had the opportunity to visit the Museum on Tuesday, July 02, 2013, at approximately 2 o’clock in the afternoon.
I spent approximately 2 ? hours in the museum, carefully observing the exhibits. The museum building surpassed my expectations, while the interior simply left me speechless. Every aspect of the interior was intricately designed and carefully thought out, from the elegant glass windows to the precise architectural lines and even the overlooked staircase design. Despite that, the museum was not overly crowded.
The museum was pleasantly occupied, providing a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere for art appreciation. Unlike other popular attractions, I was able to enter without feeling overwhelmed. The displays were well-arranged, allowing for easy navigation and conveniently organized by collection and design. The ambiance exceeded my expectations with its tranquil setting.
During my visit to the Mint Museum, I was particularly impressed by Julie Heffernan’s commissioned painting, Self Portrait as Wunderkabinett, created in 2003. Out of all the exhibited paintings, this piece of art truly caught my attention. The artist used oil paints on canvas to depict a whimsical and fantastical setting, where one woman is portrayed as multiple bodies.
In a grand ballroom, adorned with paintings by the artist in a 16th century style, women are gathered. They wear skirts made of fruits and flowers, giving them a lavish appearance. The room’s architecture is adorned with intricate details, including a beautiful painted ceiling. Within this magical and mysterious fairy-tale setting, birds fly around the room, cascading towards the ceiling and beyond the painting.
The artist uses a woman whose face is not visible as the focal point. The woman’s dress seems to be on fire, creating a glowing effect around the chandelier and casting shadows in the corners of the room. This draws the viewer’s attention from the main woman to the chandelier. The painting, titled The Self Portrait as Wunderkabinett, by Heffernan, showcases her wild imagination with dream-like subjects, while maintaining a classic painting technique. This reminded me of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.
Michelangelo’s portrayal in his artwork reflects the aspiration for unity with God through salvation. He utilizes a traditional painting style, employing precise and realistic proportions of the human body, clear outlines, shading techniques, intricate detailing on every element depicted, and classic complementary color combinations. Julie Heffernan, born in 1956 and hailing from Northern California originally, presently resides in Brooklyn, New York.
Following her completion of a BFA at the University of California, Santa Cruz and her attainment of an MFA in Painting from the Yale School of Art, she resided in Berlin for two years in 1986. Throughout this period, she dedicated herself entirely to thorough examination and application. Instead of adopting a traditional approach to artistic production, she chooses to embrace an unorthodox technique referred to as “image screening.” This procedure entails mentally envisioning images akin to daydreams and recording them for later utilization as artistic material.
Ms. Heffernan uses this setting to realize her fantasies for others, providing an opportunity for her audience to witness a profound reflection of her own identity. All of her work revolves around self-portraits.
The artist consistently portrays herself as the central figure in her paintings, often incorporating random objects in a figurative manner. Her artworks challenge viewers’ preconceived notions of art and distinguish her from other artists. Her creations showcase a unique blend of unconventional style and detailed imagery.
Most of her paintings, whether viewed online or at the museum, feature peaceful, tranquil, and fantastical illustrations. While evoking a sense of familiarity, they also prompt viewers to ponder the enchanting and captivating viewing experience. One of her major influences, in addition to the development of her “image screening” technique, stems from her Catholic upbringing. Surrounded by influential and potent religious images and sculptures during her childhood, this environment sparked her inspiration and fueled her creativity in always incorporating the presence of imagination in her artwork.
The Self Portrait as Wunderkabinett by Julie Heffernan captivated me with its unique and sensual qualities. I was intrigued by the questions it raised – what is the purpose and message behind this painting, what is happening within it, and what deeper meaning does it hold, if any? Heffernan’s work exudes a child-like essence, with an improvised and disorderly feel. I also admire her use of traditional art materials such as oil and canvas, which typically yield grand and intricate masterpieces.
I appreciate Julie Heffernan’s skill in using chiaroscuro to enhance the natural and realistic settings in which she situates her characters. Her art pieces not only create visually stunning compositions, but also convey thought-provoking narratives that celebrate femininity and empower artists who embrace eccentricity and unconventionality (Wood, n.d.).
Retrieved from Art Slant:
- http://www.artslant.com/ny/artists/rackroom/5764 Zeka, M. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mark Moore Gallery:
- http://prod-images.exhibit-e.com/www_markmooregallery_com/Statements_Julie_Heffernan_low_res.pdf
