Perhaps he has the best of both worlds and it is a comfortable blending of the two.
These are the thoughts in my head as I looked at this sculpture. When I first saw it I only saw the orb. It wasn't until I got closer that I realized there is a person inside. The figures are composed of letters from nine alphabets.
Like all of the sculptures in the Jaime Plensa Human Landscape exhibit, it is thought provoking. The simple beauty, and the way that they actually seem to be a part of the landscape is breathtaking.
Outside the main entrance is a 23' tall sculpture called Laura with Bun.
There is a similar Jaime Plensa sculpture on the grounds at the Frist Center for Visual Arts. That one is named Isabella. Laura is actually facing in the direction of Isabella.
The Soul of Words I and II are posed to imitate two people in conversation.
Thoughts is just that - thoughts and phrases swirling around.
Silent Music made me think about those who have music in their souls
He created this one in part because Nashville is Music City. He wanted to honor the diversity of musical history in the city. When the exhibition is over, this sculpture will stay at Cheekwood and become part of the permanent exhibit.
Awilda and Irma is an unusual stainless steel mesh created in a pond. He wanted to underscore the relationship to the landscape by installing it in the pond, and also to bring water, light and air together. There is an amazing amount of detail to these, and a few steps in any direction will bring a change of the facial features.
The Heart of Trees are seven bronze figures, with their limbs wrapped around trees and the names of composers from the 19th and 20th centuries. They are quite striking.
These were my favorite part of the exhibit. Well, maybe my second favorite part. I really liked the Silent Music sculpture. But these are awesome.
Near the reflecting pool is Rul Rul's World. She is a marble figure, whose variations in the color of the marble add to the beauty of the statue. From the side view, she appears to be solid white marble. It't not until you get in front of her that you begin to see the color variations.
There were also some pieces inside the museum. For some reason I found the inside pieces to be very haunting. Uncomfortably so. I couldn't get decent pictures inside as you couldn't use the flash on the camera. As I neared the exit, I heard piano music. It is the first time I've heard the grand piano being played. And played beautifully. He paused between each song to tell us what he was playing.
In addition to the sculptures and the music, I enjoyed the time walking around the botanical gardens. It was a cool day, with the threat of rain, so it wasn't terribly crowded.
As I walked, I was treated to the beauty of the gardens and the wonderful autumn show that nature brings us.
Goodbye until next time.
