The Excursion to Stuttgart Staatsgalerie
A report written by Ciska Cockrell

When examining the schedule of our 2009 programme for the first time, I was very excited to learn that we as a group would be visiting the Stuttgart Staatsgalerie, an art gallery housing hundreds of exceptional works of art from diverse artists. As an art-lover, and as someone who is always eager to learn new things in order to expand my knowledge, I was very enthusiastic about this excursion, as I would be able not only to get to know more about certain masterpieces, but also get to see these works of art right in front of my nose.
On the 21st of January, the group made the train journey to Stuttgart and paid a visit to the gallery, and I know that I do not speak for myself when I say that it was truly a fascinating and enjoyable afternoon spent perusing portraits and sculptures by such artists as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Joseph Boyes and Max Beckman.
Upon our arrival at the Staatsgalerie we were treated to an overview of the history and architecture of the gallery by Marion Schmidt, which made us appreciate the style and significance of the buildings so much more. After this, we made our way into the building, where we as a group discussed and examined specific works of art, paying attention to where the individual pieces of art fit into the historical timeline, as well as paying attention to the movement of art to which each masterpiece belongs. By scrutinising each portrait or sculpture, by discussing the motive or meaning behind each work of art, and by looking at what art critics or the artists themselves have said about these works of art, we were able to broaden our knowledge of artistry to such a point that none of us could go home afterward unaffected by this new knowledge.
For me personally, this excursion was a wonderful experience, as I have never before been privileged enough to view original works of art by such celebrated artists such as Andy Warhol or Pablo Picasso. The beauty of the artworks and the intense creative force behind each masterpiece lead me to appreciate that we are all creative as human beings, and that nothing is impossible if only you harness the potential within to create something beautiful that could possibly end up changing the world.
A big thank you is owed to Marion Schmidt, who not only accompanied us to the Staatsgalerie and guided us through it, but who also taught us everything that we could want to know about the specific artworks and their respective artists. I can honestly say that this experience has deepened my interest in art and art history, and has encouraged me to explore art in whichever way possible.
From Dali to Lichtenstein, Boyes to Beckman, this visit to the Stuttgart Staatsgalerie has been nothing short of wonderful.

Ciska Cockrell