Palmer Visit

picture from: http://www.michaelrosenfeldart.com/images/image.php?i=9601

The Corn Dance by Edward Laning, American, oil on canvas 30X40 inches

The above piece is about the intrusion of outsiders and tourists and a coveted yearly New Mexican Ritual. In the Middle background of the picture there are Native New Mexicans doing a yearly corn dance ritual. In the foreground of the picture is a group of people who look like tourists. They are dressed in beach attire, drinking, playing games, lying on beach umbrellas, and look like they are ready for a day at Ocean City. These tourists are kicking New Mexicans out of their seats while the native people watching the dance look concerned, annoyed, or confused.

This piece was painted in 1937. The Corn Dance the New Mexicans are doing in the painting above has been performed for centuries but came into the public eye at this time. Outsiders saw this dance as a vacation and started to go to see it. The outsiders made a spectacle of it, dressing inappropriately, invading the citizens' space, and they treated this beloved ritual as a form of entertainment, expecting the native citizens to cater to them. I believe that the painter of this piece wanted to illustrate that we, as tourists, have invaded local spaces, have acted inappropriately, and have turned sacred rituals into mere jokes.

This piece makes me emphasize for the locals. The tourists are kicking locals off ladders and encroaching on their territory. The tourists have ruined the corn dance for the people who have been enjoying it for years. The tourists do not seem to appreciate the dance but just merely want a day outside. I believe that if you travel or go to someone else's town you should respect their space, their culture,and the rules. You should not expect people to move over for you but rather cater to their needs being that you are a mere visitor. The ignorance of the tourists in the painting is an embarrassingly true portrayal of many American travelers.

Edward Laning was an American Painter who lived from 1906 to the 1980's. He had is works displayed in many prominent art museums and painted murals for Ellis Island and the New York Public Libary. Many of his paintings focus on American immigrants and American life in culture in general. He was trusted and respected enough for projects in major new york monuments so I find his work very credible.

I think that the piece is claiming the ignorance and selfishness of Americans. I think it is claiming that we expect people to cater to us no matter where we go with no regards to their culture or needs. The piece shows the discomfort of the locals while making the tourists look completely ridiculous and rude. This elements make Lanings claim very persuasive.

Overall I really enjoyed the visit to the Palmer. It was a nice break from the normal classroom setting. I have been to the Palmer several times before with my family who are all big museum goers. The Palmer is a nice quiet area on campus, it is nice to relax and look at the art and have a break from homework and the tons of people on campus. I will definitely be going back again.