Week 24: Jun. 16, 2024

Coffered Ceiling and Sculptured Frieze from the Porch of a Hindu temple and Columns from a temple Cart, South India, Early 17th Century, carved wood.

Creating the setting…

Sometimes the art is in the room, other times the art is the room. The Nelson does this so beautifully. Several different areas of the museum bring an entire setting into the museum and transport you to a different place and time. It’s hard to know where to begin photographing because all of the surroundings are part of the experience.

So, I moved in up close to capture one of many gargoyle-like carvings around the upper corners of the walls. Each appeared to have a roll or responsibility as guardians or protectors of some sort. Most had the appearance of a horse or a dragon. But there was no specific information about the figures.

Based on others in the room, the horse was rearing originally and had his front legs extended, but they are no longer there.

I was challenged to photograph something that I could only view from below and that was surrounded by the walls of the corner. And…I’m just going to ignore the gentleman in the front, and whatever it is he’s doing….