Project 2: Room and Narrative

Woman Holding a Balance
c1664. Oil on canvas, 40x36cm. national Gallery of Art, Washington DC

Observations and Interpretation: An observers' first glance at the Painting beholds a noble woman, comfortably dressed and sheltered from the world. Her sweet countenance , seemingly reveals a inner state of serenity. This is a woman at peace with the world and with herself.

Closer examination of the Painting reveals the subtle diagonal shaft of light, running across the Painting; this divides the image in light and shadow. Positioned in the centre of this diagonal axis is a balance held in the Lady's' right hand. This deliberate arrangement in the Painting, is an invitation for the responder to ponder on the theme of Judgement.

As almost a corroboration of this intention, the Vermeer has painted "The Last Judgement" in the background. This is a reference to the significant biblical event, whereby Christ is depicted sitting in Majesty while below him to the left, the blessed are led up to heaven, and to the right, the damned are conveyed to hell.

The standing position of the woman is deliberately in line with the archangel Gabriel in the Painting, who assumes the role of weighing souls to be condemned to heaven or hell. Thus, my understanding is that, the Lady takes on this role of weighing on Earth, but on a much smaller scale. As she does not weigh souls, but rather, she is weighing her moral conscience and contemplating the good and evil in this world. ( A microscopic examination of the Painting reveals that Vermeer had painted the scales to be empty, the woman was not weighing gold nor any object in particular).

Already her weighing has yielded her a result, as she is positioned in the lit half of the painting, and has the Painting of Christ behind her. Effectively she has chosen to lead a life in the light, as a follower of Christ. Her head scarf in the pure white colour resembles the veil worn to Confession by pure Catholics; this gesture reveals an acceptance of Christ, and ultimately, an understanding of the virtues embodied by the Virgin Mary-that of humility, obedience and submissiveness to Christ.

With a pile of jewelery before her, the woman does not seem tempted, nor does she wear any jewellery. Hence she has abandoned all material pursuits and seeks a more meaningful life, one in touch with God. Her serene appearance reveals she is content with her decision.

Narrative:

"Through a corridor dappled in light and shadow, a woman weighs her moral concience; lured by the warmth of the sun; she walks into the light."

Chosen Site: Milford Sound, New Zealand


Milford Sound is The most famous fiord within the geographic region of New Zealand named the Fiordlands. Situated on the south western corner of the South Island, most of the Fiordlands are dominated by steep sides of the snow capped southern alps, deep lakes and cean flooded, steep western valleys.

It is considered the wettest geographic region in the Country and its beauty attracts thousands of visitors each year. Previously, named the 8th Wonder of the World, its Majesty serves to influence many individuals.

I personally, have visited this place in my Childhood, and its impact has never been lost on me. When you first lay eyes on the sheer cliffs, and its perfect reflection on the river below, you wonder and marvel at how beautiful, unspoiled and untouched nature can be.

My spectacle of this landscape at the time was from a clearing in the Rainforest below. Being surrounded by the moist tree trunks and dew laden ferns of the forest, with the receptacle of the mountain before you, I think it is the closest man can come to nature and to God.

In this place every element before you conversates with you. It speaks of the greatness of God, of truth, of beauty of purity and Goodness. It shows you exactly how the world should be.

Mildford Sound invites the visitor to look upon its beauty with naive and childlike eyes. To suspend thoughts of the commercial world and open the window of the heart to the beauty all around. To do so is to allow oneself to be influenced by the nature and by ultimately by God, the great creator.

I chose to situate my Architecture here because of these personal ties with the place; and I wish to create a space that enhances this purifying and enriching experience with Nature.