Art is everywhere! Whether we talk about music we like to listen to, the interior and exterior of our houses, or just a lifestyle we choose to have. Either way, it is admired and valuable, and a great way to shape society. Luckily, there are many places as well where people can truly appreciate art. By visiting art exhibitions in art galleries, you can experience the essence and nature of art in a harmonious way.
However, if you are not involved in the art world itself, visiting an art exhibition might be overwhelming. This is because we have a lack of knowledge. We do not know what to look for and how to look at it.
Also, many people give up on art exhibitions after just one visit simply because they felt scared, and unfortunately, bored. But, enjoying art is one of the most pleasing and educational, and in most cases, free sources of entertainment. So, the next time there is an art exhibition in your city, here is a list of things to consider.
1. Ask Questions
Do not be afraid to ask any questions you may have. After all, art is about asking questions and talking and sharing different opinions about a certain piece. Even if you want to ask something as simple as ‘what does this picture represent’ or ‘who is the creator of this sculpture’.
By asking questions, you will stimulate the conversation, and your visit to the art exhibition will become more enjoyable and relaxing. However, many people hesitate to engage in the conversation because they feel embarrassed. But there is nothing to be embarrassed about. The staff is there to help you out.
Their job is to spread information about art. So, the next time you are in a museum or an art gallery, be ready to talk.
By asking questions and talking about art, you will be able to understand it from a different point of view.
2. Use the Materials That Are Provided
Luckily, most galleries, museums, and art exhibitions either cost very little or are completely free. So take advantage of that. You will be asked to take some of the pamphlets or brochures at the front desk. Take them! Spare a couple of minutes to read what is inside. You might understand art much better after it.
Or you might find some answers to any questions you may have. It is the best way to learn more about the art that is being exhibited. Moreover, some art galleries and museums offer audio tours. That is another great way to learn more about the current exhibition and to see what its backstory is. After all, the backstory of a certain piece of art is what it makes it thought-provoking.
3. Do Not Come Alone, Bring a Friend
Many people like the idea of art galleries because they are peaceful and great places to relax and think. That is why many of them come alone. However, if you have never visited an exhibition before, it would be a good idea to come with a partner.
It would be best if that partner is experienced, but even simple conversation about some artwork can be beneficial and spark your interest. By talking and spending some quality time, you will want to come back. But if you really want to challenge yourself bring a partner in crime that has different taste in art than yourself.
You will be surprised by how interesting and educational your dialogue will be. And afterwards, if you are interested in spending some quality time discussing art go to some inspiring cafes with your friends.
Sharing different ideas about art with other people can change the way you look at it. Alt.tag: Three friends looking at pictures.
3. Do a Background Check on the Artist
Nowadays, there are many artists who have the opportunity to display their work. So, it is understandable that you are not familiar with some of them or with some styles they use. It is perfectly fine not to know something, as long as you are willing to learn something new.
Bear in mind that not all artworks are pretty, nor they should be. Some of the best works of art are not aesthetically pleasing. Quite the contrary, they are challenging and they are forcing us to really look deep and find the meaning.
If you are a beginner, it is best to do some background check on the artist. You can do that at home or by using some of the brochures in the gallery. Even half an hour of preplanning will enable you to understand the artist and the idea behind his or her works.
Art is complicated and everyone has a job to do. Just like artists themselves must do research before they hire art exhibit moving professionals in NY, you must also do your own.
4. Chose the Time of Your Visit Wisely
Basically, people go to art galleries and art exhibitions for two reasons. First, to enjoy solitude and to really engage with the art. To do that, you must avoid crowds. That means visiting a gallery on a weekday. It will be peaceful and quiet, thus great for thinking and appreciating art.
However, some people look at art exhibitions as an event where they can get free drinks, see celebrities and have a chat. Again, there is nothing wrong with that either. For some, talking about art with many people can be effective, positive and really productive.
But bear in mind that these events are really posh, so there are certain behaviour and a dress-code required. Try to look as stylish as possible. Whatever your choice may be, remember to come prepared so that you can be able to converse.
Also, if you want to save money, you should opt for weekends. Usually, on weekdays, people have to pay some small fee for entering the exhibition.
If you go to an art exhibition on opening night, prepare to compete for even a glimpse at the artwork. It best to chose a day closer to the end.
5. Do Your Research to See What Will Be on Display
There are hundreds of art exhibitions in galleries and museums all over your city. And most of the time, they all have a different kind of display. It is natural that you are fond of some particular style or artist, so make sure to know where you are going and what you will view there.
Also, museums and art galleries constantly change their line-up of exhibitions every few days. So, in order not to miss your favorite artist, do your research ahead of time.
Moreover, as previously mentioned, it is important to know the background of the artist and his or her works of art. Without that, you will only be guessing what is going on. But if you like challenging yourself and enjoy mystery, then research ahead of time is not that necessary.
6. Do Not Touch Anything
‘DO NOT TOUCH‘ is the first rule of any museum or an art gallery. Even though touching something is a natural human reaction, you must resist that temptation. Otherwise, you will be in big trouble.
So, keep your hands close to you, and always be a few steps behind the painting or a sculpture. Even a light touch can damage the colours in the paintings or might harm something fragile. Whatever you do, make sure to keep your hands behind your back.
7. Art Exhibitions Are Not Fit For Children
This may sound harsh, and maybe controversial, but in most cases, children are bored in galleries and they can easily damage something if you are not paying attention to them constantly. People come to galleries to relax and appreciate the artwork, and that cannot be done if there are small children screaming and yelling around.
Also, if something gets broken, you will either have to pay a lot of money in order for it to be fixed or you will be forced to buy it yourself. So, save yourself and your children from that trouble, and avoid visiting art exhibitions as a family activity. Instead, go to the children’s museum, where kids can run, touch things and still learn something new and educational.
8. Leave Your Camera, Snacks, and Drinks at Home
This may seem obvious, but these things must be left at home. Also, remember to eat something before entering the museum or art gallery. Nobody likes to look at art on an empty stomach. Some galleries provide lip-smacking food but be prepared for anything. And, do not worry about being thirsty, most galleries offer free drinks.
Finally, leave your camera at home. Half of the artists do not allow photography at all, and the other half does not allow flash photography as it might damage the picture.
And what is the point of taking photos of certain artwork, unless you are not a professional photographer? You can never get a great picture of a certain piece when there is a lot of hustle and bustle around it. So, save your time, and enjoy the event you came to see.