Ryoanji Quilt Day 5 - Blew It

Comment by BlancheNoE on July 3, 2011 at 1:10pm

Amen.

*big satisfied smile here*

Comment by NatureJunkie on July 6, 2011 at 3:57pm

The "explainers" at such exhibits annoy me immensely too. And the blockbuster exhibits like the Stein Collection draw such huge crowds, I always have to weigh the irritation factor against the possibility that this might be my once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the subjects. I almost talked myself out of seeing the Vatican Collection years ago for these same reasons, until a friend said, "Really? You know you won't be able to see this stuff again until you go to Rome."

 

I'm glad you went. 

Comment by SydTheSkeptic on July 22, 2011 at 2:04pm

Are you sure it's cultural-based, this tendency to "explain" things? 

It's probably been awhile since you viewed this yourself Margaret, so I'm referring to your comment, "What is it about us that we have to explain everything as quickly as possible" with regard to viewing artistic "canvases of experiences".

 

"Limiting us in the way we experience things"...

I'd argue it's one of many ways of experiencing.  Some must first analyze the concrete before exploring the abstract.  That's just been my experience as a teacher, to observe and listen to children in their very individual ways of "coming to know" and experience the world, and of art, even.

 

This past year, I had them build their own online exhibits of their favorite artists.  I'd show them off, but they're private to the school network, unfortunately.  Then they created their own "regional" works after exploring the question "What makes art 'regional'"  <--not such an easy question to answer. 

 

It was SO much fun!

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