The Right Way to Visit an Art Gallery
The idea of visiting an art gallery isn't exactly new to us, but neither is it something that crosses our minds too often. Very few have, in fact, actually visited art galleries, or visited art galleries and liked them. If you've been to a place like this and don't remember it being an enjoyable experience, maybe you visited it "the wrong way." So how do you do it right?
First, you need to compose yourself. It's not surprising that on your first time to visit a gallery like katiebarclay.com, you got overwhelmed. The next time you go, remember to relax and stay calm. An art gallery is there for everyone. It's intended for the public, so what you see there shouldn't end up at home with you. Just look at the works, keep an open mind, enjoy what's around you. Sometimes, you won't like what you see, sometimes you will. Most of the time, you won't even know why you like or don't like something. Just take the experience for what it is and don't overthink or overfeel.
Second, do not misunderstand those labels as instructions on how to appreciate an artwork. They are simply guides or cues. Sometimes, they are deliberately written in a vague manner because they're meant to lead you on and your thoughts, to let you pursue what cannot be seen by your eyes but understood only by your mind and soul. It is said that great art is vague too.
Third, if you just plain don't like a certain artwork, don't stop there. Force yourself to cite a reason for your dislike. If that artwork managed its way into an art gallery, there is probably something likable about it. Extra information about this are explained at http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/16/opinion/africas-contemporary-art-is-booming-grab/. Sometimes, you just have to be more sensitive. Once you start giving yourself reasons for not liking a piece, you may learn a few things along the way and then you'll realize that the work is actually more beautiful than you thought.
Fourth, don't pressure yourself. If you like something, you like it. If you don't, ask yourself why and learn something if there's something to learn. But don't force yourself to understand what you cannot understand. If a label mentions such terms as neo-primitivism or modular constructivism and all those, don't think you're dumb for not knowing what they mean. Visual arts are not about words. They're all about the emotions they evoke in you.
Finally, if you think you're getting too much too soon, no worries. Take a break at a nearby cafe, browse through some magazines, revive your energy and walk back into the gallery Childe Hassam - Wally Findlay Galleries. You won't believe how all of that can give you a feeling of being clean and fresh for another round of art appreciation. Again, no pressure.