The Beaucoup section visited the Hilliard Art Museum, below are their thoughts.
Nyria Mustiful
Allons Editor
The Hilliard Art Museum never ceases to amaze me! Every time I go I’m always super excited, and this time was no exception.
The first exhibit we visited was entitled “From Inspiration to Evolution: The Journey to French Modern Art.” The first thing I noticed was the color palette of the gallery. It had an array of rustic colors, such as burnt orange and mustard yellow. I felt like I had entered a sort of fall oasis, which was wonderful, considering that fall is my favorite season.
I feel like this visit was definitely more of a learning experience for me. In this exhibit particularly, there were labels of the different artistic styles and periods each piece belonged in, which helped me learn more about art history. I also learned about a cool art style called Japonisme, which references “the incorporation of Japanese art and aesthetics by Western artists.”
My favorite piece was an untitled work from 1851-1855 by Honore Deumier. When I saw it, I immediately burst into laughter. It’s a satirical piece, which I never thought I’d have interest in, but it proved me wrong. I’ve been getting back into drawing and sketching lately, so I will definitely use this piece as inspiration for my next sketch.
Overall, I enjoyed my time at the Hilliard and I’m already eager to go back!
Marie Ducote
Allons Writer
Our traditional trips to the Hilliard, as I have said before, are always a highlight for me because it is one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon in Lafayette. This time was no different with brand new exhibits giving me a chance to see art I do not have access to on a daily basis.
The main exhibit I want to spotlight is “From Inspiration to Evolution: The Journey to French Modern Art.” It had a variety of art from French artists I am not that familiar with. I liked how the museum presented the art linearly, with the oldest pieces being near the entrance of the gallery.
I noticed that many of the artists were inspired by literature.
The piece of art I was the most excited to discover was a color lithograph of the writer Charlotte Bronte by Marie Laurencin.
Overall I am excited about what I will discover next at the museum.
Ramudhi Kariyawasam
Managing Editor
It being the first time I visited the Hilliard Art Museum, I must say, it has become a serene memory of mine. The entire landscape itself quietly screamed detailed, thought-out design, a rushing wall fountain outside the glass-covered museum.
The first attraction when stepping into the museum was their hand-crafted, Louisiana-centered gift shop. A wide array of souvenirs from postcards, jewelry, apparel and even books were available.
While browsing through, I recall appreciating what sounded like calm ambience music gliding throughout the museum. I assumed it was a part of their routine, but interestingly, Hilliard hosts yoga lessons upstairs every Saturday morning–a unique touch indeed.
Of the galleries present, my favorite was the first floor gallery, which exhibited an exceptional collection of French art. The progression of art as a philosophical and creative endeavor was displayed, with much of it entangled in tradition and religion. Earlier works seemed to be more focused on abstract, black and white shapes with later works appreciating color with landscape and portrait drawings.
Overall, the Hilliard was a thrilling experience, and I hope to go again soon.
Ellie Schmidt
Layout Manager
When you first enter The Hilliard Art Museum, the first thing you see is the gift shop, filled with handmade pieces of art and jewelry that were difficult to resist. The museum has a serene and beautiful atmosphere, with soothing music that immediately relaxes you. The exhibits are very interesting and you get lost walking the rooms from piece to piece. One piece that stood out to me was a video from Ana Mendieta’s Silueta Series, located in a room upstairs.
The video showed a body-shaped indentation in the ground filled with gunpowder and a pile of rocks in the center to symbolize a human heart. In the video, the gunpowder is set on fire and turns to ash, symbolizing the themes of “destruction and rebirth.” It’s a powerful and moving work of art. Overall, the Hilliard Art Museum provides a space for appreciation of art, making it a must-visit destination.