Greetings from Texas! Writing this month’s Deep Dive from the passenger seat of a rental car while reflecting on some phenomenal art I’ve seen this month.
Reflecting, I surprised myself by the sheer volume of exceptional art experiences outside museum walls I’ve had here in this Lone Star State — from Ellsworth Kelly’s Chapel in Austin, to James Turrell's Twilight Epiphany Skyspace and Rothko’s Chapel in Houston, don’t even get me started on Marfa. (If I sound like a broken record here, thank you for being here long enough to have read my previous love letter to public art.)
With these recent experiences in mind, I’ve been thinking about how you’re told to look at art, versus the magic that happens when you aren’t actually trying.
🌊 Deep Dive: How to Look at Art
I’ll be honest, the title is a bit of clickbait because there truly isn’t one way to do it.
However, there is so a lot of preciousness out there about how you are supposed to view art. Some say read the labels first and exhibition text, others insist on an audio tour, and even more say try to learn as much as you can, then you will “get” it.
I’d personally say “no thanks” to all of the above.
Although I do feel there is a whole other level of appreciation that occurs once you learn a bit more about an artwork, an artist, and the contextual details (I am an art history gal after all), my absolute favorite way to first view and experience art is without preconceived notions. I believe entering into art experiences without expecting anything can be super rewarding and powerful.
Let’s use a museum as a test case, I guarantee if you had never heard of the Mona Lisa before, and went straight into the Louvre, you’d be drawn to other artworks before the little portrait. However, today, because we know we are “supposed” to revere it, we go straight to it like a moth to a flame. Nothing against the work nor Leonardo, but once you unpack the history there, the lack of eyebrows, the mystery around the seated figure, you may just want to rush over to it — but I’m trying to make the case for following your heart and eye to a piece that makes you feel something.
With that in mind — I can’t help but mention my favorite art experience this trip — a light show in the heart of Rice University campus known as James Turrell's Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. Seeing this in person, was a truly moving experience. One of which I know could be appreciated without the context of explicit knowledge of the fact that it was created by one of the most admired artists working today.
Part of the magic for me with this piece specifically was seeing people of all ages, understandings, and frankly, ~vibes~, there in the space enjoying the piece. There was a strong showing of both academic don’t-speak-or-I’ll-freak kind of people, mixed in with Gen-Zs playing TSwift via AirPods and giggling with friends. Each person viewing came to it with an idea of what it was, and how they wanted to experience it, and left feeling something unexpected, which is pretty cool. And don’t get me wrong — not everyone was moved (shout-out to the Google Reviews filled with disdain) but that’s kind of the beauty of art — I love nothing more than when art makes you feel something, good or bad.
🔥 Trending
Art and protest — climate activists with the group Just Stop Oil have been causing a bit of a ruckus and museums recently. This month alone, tomato soup was thrown at a Van Gogh, mashed potatoes at a Monet painting, and a man glued himself to the iconic Vermeer, “Girl With a Pearl Earring.” The Times did a great write-up on why so many climate activists are using iconic artworks as a place of protest.
And, just like with all cultural moments, some memes just hit:
💸 Advisory Picks
This month I can’t get Claire Milbrath’s mischievous Bichons out of my head! They are currently available on Peggy, too, so reply to this email to learn more and for an early access code.
In New York, Lily Stockman is opening a show at Charles Moffett, highly recommend stopping by!
👋 Parting Words…
Sending this out sans Halloween sugar high (unfortunately) but happily sustained on In-N-Out.
Until next time…
XX, B