The Reina Sofia

Yesterday we went to go visit the Reina Sofia after class. It was the last museum that I needed to see of "The Golden Triangle" in Madrid (The Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia). I was really excited to go because they have modern art by Picasso and Dali. Also, the Guernica which is one of Picasso's most famous works is there as well. When we got to the museum I knew that it was going to be much different than my other visits. The new entrance of the museum is so modern! Originally, the museum used to be a hospital until they decided to convert it over to a museum.

Our professor who led the tour was very knowledgeable! I was surprised by how much he knew-he didn't even have a paper to help him out. He explained to us the different types of art that we were going to see. He said we needed to have an open mind because this art was all about reflecting the inner conscious. Paintings had to radically change with the invention of photography and cinema because painters were no longer needed to represent human life. Photos could do a better job and cinema could show much more than a painting ever could. The Guernica by Picasso did not disappoint although it is always sad to see the great lengths humans go during war. We also saw propaganda that was used during the Civil War in Spain-it was kind of scary.

After Picasso we looked at some of the works by Dali. He was very obsessed with painting the dream world and the unconscious desires. The paintings definitely needed an open mind to be appreciated. I am not sure if I understand it completely but it was a cool experience. 

This week a heat wave has descended upon Spain! It's going to be above 100 degrees all week. I feel like I am back in the Grand Canyon during July. Don't let anyone fool you-a dry heat is still very very hot! Tomorrow we are going to visit the royal gardens after class. I can't believe we only have two more weeks left in Spain! I am trying to take everything in before it's time to head back to the States.