Don't be afraid of heading to a gallery
It's really not intimidating.
I used to be frightened of going to art galleries. In particular, the long steps of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery seemed to lead the way into a place where I'd surely be judged as some sort of uninformed twit.
One day, I got over my initial fear of The Steps, and managed to get a job working at the Beaverbrook's front desk. I discovered the gallery was anything but frightening. However, I also learned there are certain rules one should follow when visiting.
For anyone who is interested in attending an art gallery and wants to make the most of their visit, here are a few simple guidelines:
1. Don't be afraid - This may seem redundant, but it's worth repeating. An art gallery isn't meant to be an intimidating place. Whether public or commercial, galleries welcome browsers, buyers, artists and art lovers.
2. Attend the opening - If you're still frightened of going in, it may be best to test the waters by visiting an art gallery during an art show opening. Not only will you be treated to beverages and snacks, but there will be other people there. The artist or artists are also usually in attendance, and will generally welcome any questions you might have.
3. It's OK to dislike, or even like, the art work - Sometimes you just don't find sheep's blood thrown on a wall all that interesting. Same goes for trees in a field. When most people approach an art work, their initial reaction is either "I like it," or "I don't like it." Either one is completely valid.
However, I would encourage you to go one step further. Ask yourself why you feel as you do. Then, consider what you feel the artist is saying. Look at how they do so "" consider how their technique, the layout of the work, lighting, material and perspective may come together to provide a certain message. You are certainly allowed your opinions, but it is always good to keep an open mind.
4. Go to the centre of the room - When you first walk in, your tendency may be to start at the right and view the art works in a counterclockwise manner (seriously, I wrote a paper on this). The best way to view art work in an art gallery is to stand in the middle of the room.
From the middle of the room, look around at each wall, glimpsing each piece. Get a feel for how the show is laid out; consider the initial message of the show. Next, go to the one piece that caught your attention.
After that, you can follow along a wall, or turn around and find the next piece that catches your eye. The point of this is to make art gallery visits interesting and fulfilling. There's no rule that says you have to look at 20 paintings of a horse-drawn sleigh before you look at the one that really "speaks" to you.
5. Ask questions - If you do have a question about a piece of art work in a gallery, don't hesitate to ask the staff. They'll be more than willing to answer your questions, or find someone who can. Not only is it part of their job, it's also more fun for them to talk to you than it is to just sit there.
6. Don't get too close to the works, please - It's tempting to get close to art works in a gallery, just to see the work better. However, oils and humidity can deteriorate the works. Maintain a reasonable distance of at least two feet, and try not to point too closely to the artwork. If you get too close to the art work, the staff will ask you step back, or even to leave.
7. The security guard doesn't have a personal vendetta against you - It's their job to follow you. They don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. Follow the rules I'm describing, and they will probably leave you alone.
8. Ask before you take a photo - The rules of photography differ from gallery to gallery. Many won't allow photography at all, while some will ask that you don't use a flash. There are different reasons for this including copyright issues and art preservation. If you would really like a copy of a work, and can't afford the original, inquire if the artist has postcards, prints, or a catalogue.
9. Sign the guest book - If you're interested in the type of art works at the gallery, or the artist, sign the guest book on the way in or on the way out. Tell the gallery about your experience. They always appreciate feedback, and some use the guestbook to show how well-attended their gallery is when applying for grants (but will not release your personal information).
Finally, I'd like to reassure you that you're more of an art expert than you think. I have a masters in art history, and have spent a long time discussing how to look at art. I may have expensive schooling, but I have also learned that there is no hierarchy of "the best way to look at art." It's OK to dislike a performance artist rubbing themselves in the mud, just as much as it's OK to dislike looking at pictures of kitties. Just keep an open mind, and enjoy yourself. And don't touch anything.
Check the back of [here] Magazine for listings of exhibitions and openings happening throughout the city.
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