Currently studying Architecture at RMIT Uni, the author enjoys travel and coffee. Occasionally he is productive and blogs. Single Blog Post
Art & Ideas & Things
The Pissarro exhibition at the NGV turned out to be just great (as I expected). His engravings were pretty good, and it’s interesting that there are often multiple versions of a particular engraving, with increasing levels of detail. Some of the country scenes were a little monotonous. However, when viewed an historical perspective, one notices the increasing levels of industrialisation in France of the period. His son Lucien had quite colourful and vibrant work, with strongly defined lines, in an almost “cartoony” style. A slightly embarassing mishap involving lack of funds in my primary bank account did not spoil an otherwise fantastic few hours.
On a more personal note, I think I’m starting to resent the whole VCE treadmill. It feels as if one is just there to get the marks, and eventually a numerical score, as opposed to learning things. Obviously the latter influences the former. But I believe knowledge and ideas should be persued for their own sake. Today I sadly noted to a friend: “I’ve learnt more randomly browsing Wikipedia, than in some classes.”
The more pragmatic aspect of information absorbtion, is that our relative enlightenment can hopefully help us to make better decisions and be better people. Call me idealistic?
April 20th, 2006 at 9:06 pm
You dont get many comments. Im listening to Tiny dancer covered by Ben Folds at the mo. Well thats it for my random comments.
April 29th, 2006 at 11:35 pm
On the subject of learning more outside of school than in, i agree. Although, i must say that could be attributed to our school’s focus on high marks, and the ingrained concept from our induction into the school about how vital this is…heck…our motto even reflects this concept on a few levels.
Oh well, i personally find limiting academic exellence as a numerical score against the entire year peergroup to be less than perfect as well….
But maybe getting the numerical score is a vital part about learning how to learn. I mean…otherwise why does maths or physics exsist? How many applications in everyday life is calculus likely to have?
Besides, i believe you are a person that takes inherent interest in random things….Perhaps the notion that you will be examined on something…or even the daily grind of school is what takes the lustre out of learning….
Ultimatly, it comes down to a personal thing…who’s to know?
May 25th, 2006 at 8:14 pm
I feel likewise.
May 27th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
Hmm i went to NGV once, for the Frnech Impressionists exhibition. it was very good, and in those, one can see the French industrialisation as well. esp. the railway.