I'm low-key obsessed w/ this new exhibit at the National Gallery!
Edwin Austin Abbey's Study for The Hours is giving me LIFE
and I love how it showcases the opulence of American excess... like, who doesn't love a good gold-leafing session?
But for real tho, can we talk about how this artwork reflects our current state of politics?
Like, art as propaganda, yaaas! And I'm all about that commentary on power struggles and waste
It's like, Abbey's work is still relatable even 100 yrs later... but tbh, those six accompanying studies kinda bring down the vibe a notch
Still, this exhibit is giving me major history lessons and a healthy dose of art appreciation
It's also pretty interesting how we can see ourselves in some of that excess, especially with everything going down at the White House right now. Like, is this just a bigger version of Trump's love for lavish renovations? 
The more I think about it, the more I'm like... yeah, this art is super fascinating, but also kinda uncomfortable 
I love how the colors are so opulent and lavish, it's like a visual representation of America's excesses 
but at the same time, I can see why some figures might appear poorly defined... maybe they're supposed to be more abstract or something? idk but i do know that this exhibition is giving me so many thoughts about art as power and how it reflects our society. it's wild to think that a piece of art commissioned by the state could still feel so relevant today 
but yeah, some of those figures do look kinda blurry... maybe coz they're meant to be on the ceiling lol. anyhoo, its def worth checking out if ur into art & american history 
but i cant help thinkin why some figures look kinda messy, maybe it was meant to be viewed from above? 
also the connection to current White House renovations is wild, like states using art as a way to show off their power and wealth... 
