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This past year of college has been a whirlwind of events with so many fortunate things happening to me and I have never felt more at peace despite the hectic nature of my schedule. However, sometimes I like to have slow days where I can focus on my thoughts and truly appreciate the city, campus, and world that I live in. And one of my favorite places this past year would have to be the Speed Art Museum. I had never been there my entire freshmen year even though I had lived just across the street from where it was, so I made it my goal to go this past summer, and I realized it is one of my favorite museums I have ever been to. You would not think that in plain sight that such a gem would exist on our campus, but it is one of the most lovely museums to walk through with a tremendous variety of artwork. One day during the semester, I was very overwhelmed with midterms coming up and everything else that occurs in life, so I impulsively decided to go to the museum on my own. Not many things can compare to magical feeling of exploring and viewing new art while listening to your favorite jazz and classical music. There is a quote from the film Dead Poets Society where Robin Williams says that “medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for”. This is exactly what goes through my head whenever I walk through the museum and I see the carefully curated works of my favorite impressionists such as Degas, Monet, Metclaf, Matisse, and more. This museum has also exposed me to new works of art as well. Their pieces from the Renaissance, contemporary art, photography, sculptures, and fantastic exhibitions such as their “Supernatural America: The Paranormal in American Art” have captivated me and enabled me to find and lose myself in the pieces that these artists poured their hearts into.
These walks through the museum have been a solace in my life this past couple of months and I have learned more about myself because of it. I have found it is important to take the time to be alone and be comfortable being on your own; which is something that I struggled with during my first year of college. However, I can confidently state that this situation has changed for me this year. I treasure the time I can spend being on my own where I can embrace my passion for the arts and how art makes you reflect on your soul. I have even shared this experience with my nine year old brother as we went to the museum together since he wants to pursue art in his future. It is vital in life to slow everything down, enjoy the simple pleasures of what it means to be human, and appreciate the stories artists communicate through their work. So, I have one recommendation for you. Take the time one day to visit the Speed art museum, play your favorite music as you walk around, and take the time to sit down and appreciate the paintings that have been so carefully curated. Additionally, do not forget to stop at the wonderful cafe they have on the first floor, and order your favorite drink and pastry after you have pondered everything that inspired you. As Renzo Piano said “a museum is where one should lose one’s head”. Since we have the privilege of this spectacular museum being right on our campus; take the time to learn more about yourself and make the most out of a slower day.
Yelena Bagdasaryan is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2024. She is studying biology and political science at the University of Louisville.