Time travelling

For this month’s Writers Club meeting our “homework” was to pick an image from a few offered and describe the scene. We usually do this task but this one hit closer to home. And it’s funny how a painting from 1934 is so close to my heart. It’s not the American side to it either. The actual image brings me memories of what feels like a recent past. Maybe it’s the intimate cultural link Portuguese and Italian people share (and wider Latin cultures) that has been so rooted in our daily lives that it is still so strong in me. So, this was my description of Daniel Celentano’s piece.

Daniel Celentano's Festival ( Smithsonian American Art Museum)

It’s a celebration day. As soon as the religious procession kicks off the festivities begin. The huge image, which I can gather to be the Holy Mother of Jesus (and son), is heavy enough to require twelve strong men to carry it during what is usually a long parade. And no parade is followed in silence, a marching band is required.

The crowd gathers on and around it, joining all the activities and catching up with their friends and neighbours. Some of the people in the crowd can be seen to be taking the opportunity to bring some sustenance into their household, as they can probably make more money during these special days than they make in a standard week.

These days bring business. Cafes and other shops open and people meet to sit and eat and drink and unwind and chat for a couple of hours. Many people make the celebration an excuse for a shopping spree. Usually shopping for local produce and homemade goods such as bread, cheese, olives and olive oil and other local and traditional delicacies.

But not all the characters are as fortunate to be there enjoying the celebration in the same laid-back way. Some of the people take the opportunity to bring some sustenance into their household, as they can probably make more money during these special days than they make in a standard week.

Appreciating art is an art in itself. One doesn’t necessarily have to have a degree to appreciate it because it’s more about what the images make you feel and where they transport you to. A degree will certainly give you a deeper technical and historical detail to help you gaining a better understanding of it, but will your perspective of art be an art then?