Eternal Knowledge: The Monument of Curiosity

The  exhibit banners , prominently displayed, symbolize humanity's ongoing journey of discovery. They remind us that while the Smithsonian may archive the past, it continues to push forward into the future, with exhibits reflecting the ever-growing scope of human knowledge. I felt compelled to include them because they act as beacons, luring people inside to experience the wonders of science, history, and culture. 

The rich  warm earth tones throughout this piece ground the viewer. These colors are intentionally chosen to reflect the organic, natural history housed inside.  Brown evokes stability and connection to the soil, while  orange brings warmth and energy to the scene. The architectural layering further expresses how history itself is built—one stone, one moment at a time. Each layer blends into the other, just as time blends the past into the present, and the present into the future. 

The  interior architecture plays a key role in this piece. The vast halls and staircases suggest movement and exploration, embodying the physical and metaphorical journey of knowledge that every visitor undertakes when they step through the Smithsonian’s doors. The  visitors throughout the artwork bring it to life, emphasizing that this is not a static institution but a living, breathing place where people come to learn, be inspired, and even challenge what they think they know. 

As I created this piece, I reflected on the impact the Smithsonian has had not only on myself but on generations of visitors. To me, this institution represents the  eternal flame of curiosity , a place where the mysteries of the past are unraveled, and the secrets of the future are waiting to be discovered. This piece aims to visually mirror that sensation—the layers of history blending into the fabric of the present, and from the present, into the unknown future. 

Warm earth tones dominate this image. The  brown symbolizes a connection to history, grounding the viewer in the richness of the past, while the  orange hues suggest warmth and the energy of discovery. These tones evoke the sensation of being welcomed into a space of vast knowledge, while also reflecting the organic and natural history that is one of the Smithsonian’s key pillars. As the colors flow through the architecture and into the blurred layers, it conveys the idea that knowledge is not just a static thing to be observed, but something alive, constantly growing, and shifting. 

The  Smithsonian Institution was founded in  1846 thanks to the generous bequest of British scientist  James Smithson , whose vision was to create "an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." Since then, it has grown to include 19 museums, 21 libraries, nine research centers, and the National Zoo. The  National Museum of Natural History , one of the most prominent buildings represented in this piece, opened its doors in  1910 , and its vast collections continue to inspire curiosity in visitors of all ages. 

The blending of different Smithsonian buildings in this artwork is symbolic of the Institution’s interconnected nature. Every museum, every exhibit, every object tells a part of the story of human achievement and natural wonder. Each piece of architecture and each visitor becomes part of a larger tapestry—of knowledge, growth, and the shared pursuit of understanding. 

While creating this piece, I thought about my own experiences with the Smithsonian—how each visit left me feeling small, yet connected to something immense. The layered buildings and blurred transitions represent how knowledge itself is layered; it’s never isolated, always building on what came before. By juxtaposing classic structures like the  Smithsonian Castle with more modern architectural forms, I hoped to convey the timelessness of this pursuit—how we stand at the edge of the known, always looking forward, but never forgetting where we came from. 

This artwork is both a tribute and a reflection, meant to evoke wonder, curiosity, and reverence for the Institution that has shaped so many minds, including my own.