For me, standing in front of a painting is like listening to a concert or attending a play. I try to meet the artist on his terms and I open myself to the work to discover its secrets. Most of all, I enjoy looking at paintings; it gives me intense pleasure.
So, if you see me rooted in front of a painting, please do not approach me, as a well-dressed woman did yesterday as I was studying a Chuck Close painting at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and ask “What do you think of that painting?”
My thoughts had just started to cohere when I was interrupted–shattered and scattered, those impressions will never be regained.
I don’t mean to be rude, but get off of my cloud.
I was at the High Museum last night for the free educators’ night. There were two women ahead of us who were having an intense conversation about their day. They weren’t even looking at the paintings as they edged around the gallery. I don’t know why they were even there; they should have just gone to dinner if they wanted to vent about their problems. Very rude!
I like your phrase, ‘rooted in front of a painting.’ I think it is extremely important to take time to look.
Museums are on the horns of a dilemma. Nowadays they eagerly provide interactive attractions that encourage ‘users,’ to participate and share. Simultaneously, they prohibit touching or even moving too close to exhibitions. Museums are increasingly schizophrenic and visitors often take the ‘sharing’ too far.