Why does the museum have to make a painting be better by having a costume party in front of it? Isn't the painting enough -- intellectually, historically, aesthetically -- to hold the viewer's attention? Does the viewer have to become part of the art in order to appreciate it? And like it? In our narcissistic world even the nightly news is cluttered with people's responses to events rather than a flat out report of an event, which is a pet peeve of mine. I don't watch the news to see people, often abusing the English language, offering their simplistic opinions of what they saw. If I do turn the news on, I want to know what has happened or what will be happening. Simply, truthfully. I don't watch the news much at all anymore. Except the BBC on channel 2. And that is only because it comes on after the birds' programming.
The museum feels the need to make the experience of seeing art more personal. I get that. But to have people take selfies wearing a kimono? Really? It becomes about the selfie, not the art. This really bothers me. I would avoid looking at, and learning about, "La Jaopnaise" if all that commotion was going on around it. I think Monet is rolling over in his grave. Maybe taking a selfie dressed up is a "way in" for some people who wouldn't take time to look at the art. But honestly, does it really go much further for the average viewer who dons the robe? Are they enjoying and understanding the robe or the painting? I think the meaning of art is lost, here. I know museums are hard pressed to keep old collections feeling new to attract visitors. Museums are being very creative with this. Is it because the general population doesn't want to learn about art history and doesn't have a core understanding in public education? Probably. Museums have their work cut out for them in a Kardashian world. It is very, very sad.
I'm all about appreciating textiles and love kimonos. An exhibit about them that had a small reproduction of the painting as part of the display would be great. Even being able to handle them and feel the rich materials would be fantastic. To have a selfi-thon in front of a majestic painting, like what is helping in Boston is sad. Just sad. Maybe I am a purist and like the tradition of being in a quiet, reflective place where I can look at art and think about it, learn from reading support materials, and be in the presence of greatness. Not people with selfie sticks.
What will you make today?