Recently, I had the privilege to attend the Getty Museum with my younger brother, and let me tell you, it was AWESOME! Being a fifth year student at UCLA, this was my first time visiting. Upon walking up to the main entrance, at the bottom of the stairs lays a famous French statue called L’air. The stance that the figure holds appears as though she is floating in space. I tried holding this pose, but my legs and glutes began to cramp. Was a lot tougher than I anticipated, but my brother snagged a good photo.
The main lobby was incredible. I was in awe and a little overwhelmed as to how big it was. My brother and I didn’t really know where to start our adventure, so we asked the man at the information booth on his take on where we should start. We started in the North Pavilion, where there was an exhibit of Renaissance Splendors of the Northern Italian Courts. Inside there were ancient glass and ceramics that promoted the technological advancements of local production and stimulating trade during the 1300s. It was amazing to see these pieces of work in person and how they have remained intact over the centuries. The maiolica, which was a common luxury item to Venetians, was really interesting to see up close because the detail and color were still so vibrant and had not lost its original form. Truly fascinating and put into perspective as to why these were such a luxury commodities during this period of history. 
We then made our way to the South Pavilion where I came across one painting that really grabbed my attention. Maybe it was because it took up the entire wall, but it seemed to display the encounter between men and women of the middle class. The setting of the painting looks as though they are in a rundown part of town, where these two women seem to have come across two men and somehow engaged in friendly conversation. I wasn’t sure what the angle was for this painting, maybe had to do with the social behaviors, but it made an impression on me.
Next, we visited the South Promontory Cactus Garden where there was a phenomenal view of Los Angles. We couldn’t go into the garden since it was blocked off, but the view was incredible. It was not a clear day, but you could still see downtown Los Angles and the tip of Palos Verdes. We couldn’t resist taking some artsy/hipster pictures, it was a must.
We then made our way to the West Pavilion where we saw hand made drawings, one painting you had to use a magnifying glass. The amount of lines that were used to make this painting must have taken months. Talk about hand crap!
After seeing some paintings, we then ventured to the central garden where there were a variety of different plants, grasses, and streams that lead into a pool that had a maze of azaleas floats. The design of the maze was created by Robert Irwin over a decade ago where it represents this moment in time. The way in which we look at the world as though it is an adventure experiencing ups and downs, right and wrong, constantly changing the rules. It can relate to change in our culture, specifically what we have been discussing this quarter on technology. 
This maze really opened my eyes as to how to view the world and how there is no definite answer as to why certain things occur. In way, this maze made me understand that there are going to be difficult times or paths that we come across. Part of we can control, others we can’t. I think the underlying concept of this maze is to remind us that forever setback we may face in our lives, there is a comeback. For ever negative there is a positive. It is up to you to stay in the present, or this moment, as best as you can and know that life is a maze to finding your success.
Overall, my experience at the Getty was incredible and I highly recommend others to visit as well. Even if you are not into museums, this one definitely has more than just exhibits, it is a great place to have a picnic, lunch, and escape the stress of our busy lives.
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