Inside the Inventive World of Leonardo da Vinci: A Kean Exhibit

By Wynter Aiken | Published by January 29, 2020

Historic Renaissance phenomenon Leonardo da Vinci, whose artistic vision is embedded in inventions, paintings, drawings and much more was showcased for all to see at the grand opening of the Da Vinci-Inventions exhibit at Kean’s Liberty Hall Academic Center on Jan. 25. 

The interactive exhibit, in collaboration with Grande Exhibitions, opened with the audio introduction of da Vinci’s life, giving exhibit goers a vision of a man who was way ahead of his time while seeing reconstructed figures of da Vinci’s artistry brought to life for all to celebrate. 

Guest Experience Associate Sean Salomons wanted to express how Kean University in collaboration with Grande Exhibitions, wanted to give the public, students and faculty the chance to experience da Vinci’s work in real-time, using all available resources to make this exhibit possible. 

“Da Vinci has multiple aspects to his life and creations and we wanted to show viewers through the history that he was a creator, artist, engineer, scientist. It’s an interactive exhibit that anyone can be absorbed in,” Salomons said. “ The audio and physical roots of the technology that came from the 1400s is what students and faculty can enjoy and be fascinated by. It’s a big attraction so we’re hoping to generate 10,000 people in a span of four to five weeks.”

Italians artisans, according to Kean News, put time and dedication to studying da Vinci’s codices and sketches in order to bring detailed versions of his machine inventions such as the Aerial Screw and the Gru a Piattaforma Anulare. Da Vinci’s inventions ranged from tanks, bullets, cities and even a robot, showcasing his ability as not only a military strategist but applying himself to the worlds of geology, astronomy, anatomy, and even cartography. 

 The heavy craftsmanship not only emphasized da Vinci’s impressive talents as an artist but as a stellar inventor who had more than a story to share with viewers. 

“ I didn’t know much about da Vinci’s machines, but he’s truly multi-faceted, done so many things, his vision of the world is reflected in these creations, creations we don’t truly understand,” Chad Warrington, an exhibit attendee said. “ I’m an engineer myself, been building all my life and it was good to see how his mind worked. It was all over the place, but he had a steady path.”  

Exhibit goers were also able to view famous paintings, one of da Vinci’s most passionate interests. Da Vinci’s interests with the human body, how it’s created through perfect proportions and the study of anatomy led to the design of the Vitruvian Man, science and art coming together to create the perfect man.

 Da Vinci’s art has no end, for he believed that optics (lights and shadows) life could be created through art and technique. The exhibit’s display of the Mona Lisa and the La Vergine Delle Rocce are examples of da Vinci’s superior experience in the renaissance period. 

“The Mona Lisa was one of the first paintings I ever discovered about da Vinci. Learning about it in art class was a fun experience but to see it in person is another,” Mary Williams, an exhibit attendee said. “All his paintings tell their own stories and through this exhibit, the stories come to life.” 

Though the exhibit will only be open from Jan. 25 to Apr. 12, students who wish to volunteer and or participate in the exhibit may contact Executive Director Lynette Zimmerman of the Liberty Hall Academic Center. 

The da Vinci exhibit isn’t just a visual experience for those interested in art history but also for those who wish to dive into the inventive world of Leonardo da Vinci, a man whose artistry will continue to live on because as da Vinci once said: “Art is never finished, only abandoned.”

If you wish to take the audio tour of the exhibit visit the link  https://youraudiotour.com/tours/498/ 

 

 

 

 

 

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