How to Look

At the Whitney Biennial in NY recently, I overheard a father say to his son,
"Just walk until you see something you like, then look at it."
This seems like the simplest and best suggestion of what to do at exhibitions.
I would suggest that while looking, you should consider the following:

What is the work made of?
What does it require of you?
Do you have to stand far away or go up close, or both?
How are you rewarded at these different distances?
How do you feel while looking?
What does the work remind you of--other art, experiences you've had?
How long can you look? What do you see after a few seconds, a few minutes?
What is the title of the work? Does the title help you know more?
How might you explain the work to someone else?
What words would you use?

I had an experience at our gallery the other day, when 30 schoolchildren (12-14 year olds) from Tennessee came to visit. They sat in front of Jack Whitten's overwhelming memorial painting 9-11-01. I did not tell them about the work's subject (the bombing of the World Trade Towers) but rather asked them what they saw. They described the dominant black pyramid. I asked them, "where do you see a pyramid each day?" They said, "On the one dollar bill."
I asked them about what the bottom half of the painting looked like? "Debris," they said. They noticed tire treads, dirt, and photographic images. They said that the paint looked burnt. They saw a gray fish shape. "Where is that?,"I said. A young girl responded, "Over there, haven't you looked at this painting?!" I had to laugh. I've seen the work several times but obviously have missed things.

After a few minutes of them describing what they saw and how they felt, I told them what inspired the painting. They all knew about 9/11, and were amazed at how in tune with the work they were. Some kids took out there cameras and photographed themselves in front of their favorite works, or took detail shots of parts they liked. I told them about who the paintings were inspired by and dedicated to-- various artists and musicians, family members, and events.

On their way out, another girl took me aside and said, "I really like this artist."
"What do you like about him?," I asked.
Looking up at me, she answered, "I like the way he cares."

posted by the Contemporary