Learning to Appreciate Art
New Terrain exhibition at Worcester Art Museum curated by Nancy K. Burns, the Stoddard Curator of Prints, Drawings and Photographs
Art is not merely a spectacle to behold but a living, breathing entity that permeates every facet of our existence. As Co-Founder of Juniper Rag, we founded this platform to share, explore and understand important contemporary art that surrounds us, urging others to do the same with a depth that transcends mere observations. Engaging with art is critical to understanding our world and thoughtful observation is essential in discovering the vast resources of the art world transcendants, whether in galleries, artists' studios, museums, or cultural spaces. Artist’s voices connect us all with messages. Artists will always unite society by crafting visual stories that resonate across diverse communities, sparking sincere dialogue and fostering empathy that builds understanding. Through visual, auditory, and performative mediums, they address universal themes, since the beginning of time—such as identity, justice, and hope—that transcend individual experiences. By reflecting societal issues and aspirations, artists create a shared space for understanding, connection, and collective reflection, ultimately bridging divides and cultivating a sense of unity.
Examining Art Critically
Critical examination of art begins with pure curiosity. When we stand before a piece, our first instinct should not be to label or categorize the piece in like or dislike, but to ask, "What is the artist trying to convey?" This question opens an intimate dialogue between the observer and the artwork, a conversation that can lead to profound insights. Look beyond the surface of the paint and brushstrokes to understand the time is was created, the context, technique, and emotions embedded in the work. Consider the historical, social, and personal dimensions that influence the artist's vision and try to connect with the piece even if it may not be visually appealing. It is on the wall because someone thought it should be.
In galleries and museums, take your time. Most people look at a piece for just a few seconds. Resist the urge to rush through exhibits, instead spending moments—even minutes—on a single piece. Observe the use of color, form, and space. Contemplate the process, medium and the methods employed. How do these elements contribute to the overall message? Allow yourself to experience the artwork's impact fully, letting it stir your thoughts and emotions. Look at the light, the shadows, the nuances of how elements are represented. Reflect on the symbolism or messages imbedded in the composition. Imagine and transport yourself, for a few moments.
The studio of Tara Sellios, whose exhibition Ask Now The Beasts is on view at Fitchburg Art Museum
Deep Engagement in Cultural Spaces
Visiting artists' studios is an intimate way to connect with their individual creative process. Studios are sacred spaces where ideas transform into really personal tangible expressions. Some artwork will never be shown publicly. This is a private place for artists and entering into this space is a very special experience. Engaging with artists in their studios allows us to bear witness of the journey of creation, from concept to completion. It is a place where you can ask the artist questions about their inspiration, struggles, and choices. When you see work in a museum, imagine if the artist was there, next to you willing and able to discuss a piece of work? These conversations provide invaluable insights into the artistic process and foster a deeper appreciation of the art you encounter. In exchange for your pleasure of being there, the artists are also given valuable gifts of your presence, insights, feelings, compliments and critiques. They learn about their work through your verbal and physical perception and reactions.
Museums offer a curated experience, guiding us through diverse narratives and epochs. Each exhibit is a curated dialogue, carefully crafted to provide context and provoke thought, a structure to amass a bigger narrative. More advanced viewers begin to pay attention to the curation itself—the arrangement of pieces, the juxtaposition of different works, and the thematic threads that bind them. It is all planned and waiting for people to put the pieces together. It is never about lining work up on a wall to see. This thoughtful presentation is part of the artwork’s story, enhancing your understanding and engagement. Curators think and plan the schematic for exhibitions, the emotional impact of the entrances, the show stoppers and the the most striking and important pieces all complimented by the whole body of work.
IGNITE Festival, Fort Lauderdale
Cultural spaces, including public art installations and community art centers, provide a platform for art to engage directly with society, for free, completely accessible to all. These spaces often challenge traditional norms, presenting art in unexpected forms and locations. Embrace these encounters as total opportunities to see the intersection of art and life. Public art, in particular, democratizes the experience, making art accessible to all and encouraging communal reflection. Many people feel uncomfortable walking into galleries and museums. Public art takes that all away and is such a strategic catalyst to engage community. City stakeholders that invest in public art have foresight beyond those that do not see the value. The National Endowment for the Arts emphasizes that “public art fosters dialogue, especially when communities are involved from the project's inception, leading to a sense of identification and belonging.” National Endowment for the Arts
Similarly, Americans for the Arts notes that “public art humanizes the built environment, creating memorable experiences and helping communities thrive by supporting social cohesion and cultural understanding.” Americans for the Arts
These perspectives underscore the transformative power of public art in bringing communities together. CODAworx, connects creative talent to opportunities and was built on the power of public art. Publishing a very powerful study The Economic Power of Public Art, recently to further unite commissioners with artists around the globe. This book provides invaluable data and analysis on the public art industry. The book includes information about the size of the industry, how it contributes to economic growth, and how it engages communities.
Examples of CODAworx findings of public art's economic impact:
In 2023, the public art sector contributed over $4.4 billion to the economy.
Public art's role in community engagement
Public art can stimulate learning and thought about art, society, and the environment.
Public art's role in economic development
Cultural activities can attract tourists, which can lead to the creation of new restaurants, hotels, and other services.
Public art's role in property values
Cultural facilities and events can enhance property values and tax resources.
Examples of public art's economic impact
The 2022 BLINK festival in Cincinnati, Ohio added over 1,600 jobs and $126 million to the local economy.
Discovering the Art World’s Resources
The art world is vast, with resources that extend beyond physical spaces into digital realms. Virtual exhibitions, online galleries, and digital archives offer unprecedented access to global art scenes. Platforms like Juniper Rag aim to decentralize art experiences, making them more inclusive and innovative and accessible to all artists looking to expand their reach and their community. Use these resources to expand your horizons, explore diverse artistic voices, and participate in global conversations about art. Art surrounds us, waiting to be discovered in every corner of our world. Let’s meet it with curiosity, respect, and an unyielding desire to understand. In doing so, we become part of the ever-expanding narrative of human creativity and expression.
Remember, art appreciation is a lifelong journey. It’s about continuously evolving our perspectives, challenging our preconceptions, and embracing the new. By engaging critically and thoughtfully, we not only enrich our understanding but also honor the labor and vision of artists worldwide.
BLINK illuminations via gcfdn.org
For those interested in learning more about BLINK and how to impact cities with public art:
BLINK is an expansive and immersive arts and cultural festival featuring light projections and installations that incorporate the large-scale murals and architectural highlights of Greater Cincinnati. The biennial event got its start in 2017 when a group of Cincinnati entrepreneurs, local artists, art enthusiasts, and arts supporters assembled to plan an unforgettable arts experience for the region. Their goal was to foster a sense of community and connection through public art, while showcasing Cincinnati as a hub of creativity, forward-thinking conversations, and aspirational ideas. To accomplish their goals, light—a connector of the human experience and an illuminator of the path forward—became the medium. The festival experience also includes live musical performances, a night market, a community-driven light parade, drone shows, and in 2024, a public fashion show and pop-up skate park that showcase art in a wide breadth of its forms, creating a truly immersive and interactive experience.
Since its inception, BLINK has garnered international attention and acclaim. Its attendance has doubled, attracting more than two million visitors from across the globe and generating $126 million in economic activity for the region. It now stands as the country’s largest public art event. In 2024, BLINK’s fourth iteration was realized as a four-day event across more than 30 city blocks, featuring more than 80 local and global artists and the creation of 15 new permanent murals in the city’s urban core. It connects the region, crossing the Ohio River to encompass Cincinnati’s urban core and parts of Northern Kentucky. [Via Ohio Arts Council]
Come, a photograph montage by Bruce Wilson
