I learned the Parthenon functioned originally as a temple to celebrate Athena, the Greek goddess of war. It also functioned as a treasury. There are pediments on the east and west side of the building. The east side shows the story of Athena being born. The west pediment is the contest for Athens between Athena and Neptune. The exterior has doric style columns. It was interesting to find out Nashville had a World's Fair at one point. During it many replicas of famous structures were built, The Parthenon being one of them. Nashville created an actual replica afterwards because it was known as The Athens of the South, because of the universities.
It's a beautiful building that brings character to Nashville, but I'm not struck with a sense of awe when I look at it. I wonder if it would be different if I saw the 160 foot statue of Athena inside. I understand why people think we should keep this monument, because we continue to be the Athens of the South, but I don't agree with the spiritual connotations it has. It replicating a place of worship to a goddess does not sit well with me. I think more people would feel different about the relevance of this monument as well if they knew the details of what happened in the original place.
LeQuire was an enjoyable experience! I did think it changed my perspective to speak with the artist. I always want to know what a person was thinking when they created something. The chance to actually have that answered in full was great. I wasn't very fond of Greg Decker's paintings. I much more liked Allen LeQuire's sculptures. They were gorgeous! Decker's paintings weren't structured enough for me. I understand the significance of the colors for him, but they didn't do anything for me.
I could see how once the exhibit was installed it might be easier to experience a work of art. I got this sense even in LeQuire's studio with the forest of statues next to each other. I knew those were supposed to be experienced together. Im sure it would be magical. But, my favorite piece I saw wasn't even complete. It was in LeQuire's studio on the left side of the room. There was a statue of a lifesize woman. She was nude and had her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Whatever she was made out of was pure white. My eyes were continuously drawn to her and the shape of her stomach. It looked so realistic and absolutely beautiful. She looked peaceful and confident, yet still soft. I would have loved to spend more time observing her.
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