This was my first time being inside the MoMa so I decided to join the gallery talk to play it safe. However, after half an hour of waiting for Marianne Eggler-Gerozissis, the scheduled speaker, the tour group was disbanded. I took up the challenge to understand modern art myself, which was a complete failure. I walked through countless rooms filled with art pieces to which I had no understanding of what is being displayed or the author’s purpose. I remember coming across a display of a shredded piece of paper. I asked myself, “How is this it art?” According to my standard of art, some kind of thought or effort must be used in creating the subject. A rip piece of paper in a pile shows neither of these traits. After spending several moments hypothesizing about the significance, I ended in retreat to the next artwork.

When all hope seems lost, I encounter Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. These two were exceptional compared to the majority of artworks within the MoMA. The moment I glanced at Starry Night, I felt a sense of vague relaxation from the blend of soft colors and images. Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon was the complete opposite with the feeling of repulse with their rough colors and form. The best understanding I had would be Andy Warhol’s Campbell Soup Cans. By showing the different varieties introduced over time, Warhol shows society’s demand for new ideas and new taste. I had a special connection with the Campbell Soup because Warhol uses an ordinary subject from life, soup, rather than abstract terms. Campbell’s Soup Can gives me a sense of understanding because I drink soup often. Seeing something recognizable from daily life bestows upon me a sense of belonging.

From observing countless art pieces inside the MoMa, I asked myself, “Is there a meaning behind these “art works”? Or I just do not understand?” Whatever the case is, there is nothing I can do. My opinion of what is art and what is not does not change society’s perception of art. If people see a white piece of paper and call it art, then let it be so. I learned from this that modern art could have an abstract meaning or purpose; bringing me into further confusion about what art is used for. I appreciate seeing unique creations, but without a guide or artist to explain its significance, I do not feel the need to confuse my already puzzled mind. Lastly, I would recommend the MoMA to anyone whom has an imagination to give meaning to something that does not.

My first event was at the South Street Seaport, which the topic was discovering the secret of Asian Calligraphy. Upon arriving at the stall with volunteers, I was given a sketchbook as well as several tracing papers and told to trace a black and white picture of the river view. The next activity is the drawing boards on the broad walk. Next to the bucket of water (which is the ink) were brushes that were two to three feet long. I tried imitating some Chinese characters on the board, but trying to control the movements was difficult because the brush was long and rough. The drawback to this activity was before I could finish; I noticed that the first half of my drawing already dried up. I looked around but I could not see the artist that was there to help teach and explain the event. I suppose the heat was just too much for everybody. Other participants were mostly drawing or tracing the river view. At the end of this event, which lasted less than half an hour, I decided to move onto my next event.

My next event was located at the World Financial Center. The topic of this event was learning to knit, knot and crochet. This event was better planned than the South Street Seaport event. There was an overhead tent, along with seats providing shade and comfort for participants knitting. There were about 20 kids and parents sitting and knitting. I took a shot at knitting and asked for help from one of the volunteers. Knitting was a lot harder than expected. I frequently messed up, requiring me to do it over again or ask for help. The best part of this event would be the ability to throw yarn around two vans. There were many kids playing with yarn within the “yarn webs”.

In conclusion, the experience at these two events was fair. The gain from “The Big Draw” event was that it provided people with the opportunity to do some creative art activity (such as throwing yarn around freely), which would never be done on a normal basis. However, this event would not be appropriate for other teenagers or adults without children because it felt like a playground rather than an artistic event. Just being there gave me a sense of awkwardness. I would not recommend this event unless they move the activities indoors and actually include exciting events for people besides kids.