How Do We Look At and
Respond to Artworks in Meaningful Ways?
In our
class discussions, we have gone over the idea that “art has its winners”.
Unfortunately, this is true in a sense that the famous artworks we have studied
in our art history classes or simply just what we have grown up on are chosen
by random curators and museum owners. These curators have gotten the privilege
to select what goes on display all according to what they find interesting and
unique, which may not even be how the public feels about it. Due to the selectivity of these works, we
continue to look at, study, and respond to artwork that can only be compared to
what we see in museums chosen by other curators. It is sad to say that most of
the artwork we interpret has been chosen to be put on exhibition by the likings
of complete strangers. I believe that if it were up to the general public, some
artists from the past that are famous for their so-called abstract masterpieces
would have never made it as far as they did. However, these works are the only
things we can respond to and so we do in ways that make it as meaningful to us
as we can.
In Melinda
Mayer’s article on “Looking Outside the Frame”, she focuses on the ideas of
habitual thinking towards responding to artwork in museums. Mayer investigates
the ideas that museums are great places for conversations and discussions and
that the myths about being quiet in museums (which I believed were true) are
actually false. She explains that people should be comfortable expressing their
opinions freely as they wander the hallways of a gallery or exhibit. I found
this interesting because I have always felt the pressure of others responding
to art in a museum setting to be very professional. Stating my most likely
uninformed opinion to a stranger that is dissecting the piece next to me just
seems out right nerve-wracking. Mayer explains that, “good gallery teaching involves
sensitively drawing out and responding
to museum visitors as they develop insights about art and life” (p. 17). This
idea helped identify how important it is to make meaning of a painting through
discussion through combined effort. I know that my art history classes have
taught me to individually make meaningful responses to artwork but there are
many things I would not have realized on my own if it were not for the
discussions in the class.
Mayer reminds us in her article
that in art, there are no right or wrong answers, which I guess I have just
forgotten when it comes to analyzing art in an official setting. I have found
that when responding to artwork at home, a close friend’s, or relative’s house,
I am much more inclined to state and make meaning of my opinions with ease. After
reading this article, I have come to the conclusion that I have felt more
comfortable making meaning of artwork with close friends, family, or in a small
classroom setting because we are much more likely to have something in common. I
believe that in order to respond to art in meaningful ways, it should be a
combined effort that will provoke discussion and thought!
Another way to help make meaningful reactions:
Watch this video on using persuasion to receive a more
compelling response!
No comments:
Post a Comment