Regarding the homeless, there are some of these around but there are also many churches, hostels, and community places for them. Some do seem helpless for various reasons but it appears as though civic minded people are ready to help. Others seem rampantly intent on begging with a type of aggression and single-mindedness that is probably a deterrent more than a benefit. One such fellow got some money from me early on until I realized he immediately bought cigarettes and alcohol with the money. Watching him now for three months, I realize he is a professional at getting money from people. He puts great effort into the process and demonstrates very little if any appreciation.
Aside from the occasional blight, the parks are beautiful and peaceful. One large park actually has a large imposing gated entrance. It is stunning and seems to say "this park is for you but you better not abuse it!" In addition to large green areas, there are several sculptures and fountains in this wonderful park. Occasionally a group of large white horses and their riders come through slowly, looking majestically pleasant as they trot through the park. Somehow their presence combined with sculptures, fountains, and a large, quiet park points to a tradition that in London is relished and treasured.
After walking through the gates, I quickly saw a scultpture of such magnitude that it caught my breath. Hurrying over to it I saw yet another Duke of Wellington monument. This one was actually of Achilles in all his muscular glory. It was full of strength and motion as he seemed to dominate all matter around him. His upward glance gave him a look of deity in spite of his obviously human characteristics. On a superficial level, he looked like a superhero protecting the people, but on a deeper level we realize the significance and power of strong leadership and military protection. The Duke of Wellington exemplifies British military excellence as he defeated the French and Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.
Walking further, I came upon a large head of a horse. Realistic in a way but also strangely abstract, the horse seems to be looking around at the people that walk by. It is an unusual piece but also comfortably familiar with its combination of naturalism and abstraction. Realizing I was near the Cumberland Hotel, I ran in to get a picture of Jimi Hendrix who is memorialized on the wall of the hotel lobby. Looking around, I saw the sculpture of the sideways man and smiled as I studied him suspended in the air by just his elbow. Not sure what the piece means or what the artist is trying to say, I nevertheless really admire the work.
One of the great sculptors in history is Rodin. Known for The Thinker, each piece is an emotional presentation of human anxiety, failures, nobility, and ultimately victory. His work has a collective energy while retaining a personal spirit that cannot help but change the viewer in some way. The beautiful soft lines are in contrast with the rich etchings of muscle and power that find their way into the smallest detail of his work. As I walked around Parliament, I looked over and saw a large sculpture that captured my attention. Moving slowly to it, almost without taking my eyes off, I felt the magnetic pull of artistic beauty. Finally I arrived and studied the magnificent work. Only Auguste Rodin could have done such a stunning piece. Called the Burghers of Calais, it shows the six wealthy leaders of Calais with nooses around their necks as they agree to their own execution to save their city. Extraordinary in craft, stunning in expression, the piece secures Rodin's place in history as one of the world's greatest sculptors.
When the busy and often loud London world threatens to interfere with the inner peace so often needed in our world, it is time to settle into a bench at one of the beautiful parks and take a few moments to reflect on the sublime and the beautiful world God has made.
No comments:
Post a Comment