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Modern Art and a Supermarket – 1/09/17





So I tried to do something different today –to look at modern art. The one thing that I probably despise most of all. I never really understood why it’s valued so much in the art world. I’m pretty sure that even my pet budgie could do a better job than some of the artists. But anyway, today might be different right? I might learn to appreciate it more…

Having finally downloaded a map of Santiago, I set about following a pretty straightforward route to ‘Museo de Arte Contemporaneo’ constructed in 1947. The building itself is lovely, I was a bit shocked to see graffiti all over the old architecture but then again it is everywhere so I should have grown more used to it by now. Upon entering the building I was pleasantly surprised that the current exhibits were free to view, even more surprised that the inside was pristine compared to its defaced exterior. Here I spent a bit of my time questioning why exactly I had chosen to view modern art as some exhibits only confirmed my dislike. There were a few though that genuinely intrigued my attention, particularly a 1954 photographic series by Jorge Brantmayer which depicted a multitude of old, decrepit statures arranged to face the camera in derelict scenes creating an unusual beauty.  A central exhibit composed entirely out of cubes also caught my attention. The simplicity and minimalistic look create a rather calming atmosphere. Maybe it’s due to the symmetry and the fact that not one square is misaligned. All in all, after this visit I can confidently say that I don’t dislike modern art as much, at least some elements of it.



Upon my venture home, I stumbled upon the first supermarket that I had seen since my time in Santiago. Excited wasn’t even the right word! Here I quickly gathered all the things I’d been meaning to buy but never did and that’s when I found my self in the fresh fruit and veg isle. Here there was a multitude of fruits that I never even knew existed. I was most intrigued by ‘chirimoya granel’, further proof of how different the local produce is. After much debate with myself whether to buy this mysterious fruit or not, I decided to go with the latter and save the experience for another time. I wasn’t feeling as adventurous today.

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