Allison,
Beautifully stated. The whole concept of the public museum evolves from the
idea that we are all equal participants, with equal access. You may
understand the artists' unique chemical additions to his paint may have made
him "mad", I may be moved by the evocative narrative of a work, others may
see beauty in the artists' ability to capture the subtle nuance of the human
expression.
We spend years turning reaction into response (through education) and then
are alarmed when we encounter reaction. I loved hearing my young nephew
share his thought that Picasso must've looked through a broken glass to
paint (his cubist images). He is thinking about the work. We must remember
it is not our vision we are trying to impose but the inspiration of new and
differing perspectives.
Thank you, again, for reminding us of our mission.
Robin Le Van

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of ALLISON RAILO
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 1999 3:12 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Blockbuster reactions


I would venture to say that because of the nature of this list we "museum
people" are having a certain reaction to the crowds at blockbuster
exhibitions
that is similar to the feelings some people have about those who attend
church
only on Christmas Eve. Perhaps we feel that we are more deserving of the
opportunity to see the works without the crowds because we are already
devoted
to the museum and the shows that may be less popular.

I don't mean this in any way to be a negative comment, but I am taking the
risk to express my own initial reaction to the crowds at the recent Picasso
show in Los Angeles. I was frustrated at having to wait in line, and deal
with
the visitors who have very little consideration for the people around them,
while trying to see the paintings over people's heads. But then I took a
moment to realize how wonderful it was to see such a variety of people there
to experience and appreciate the art! I stopped myself and remembered all
the
discussions in my MA courses about increasing audiences and attracting many
different people - and here it was right in front of me. So - I'm hoping
that
I can visit the Van Gogh show during the week, when there may be less
people.
And even if I can't experience empty galleries and stand in the middle of
the
room to see all the paintings around me, I will appreciate the fact that
there
may be a first time museum visitor standing right next to me - and maybe
they
will be encouraged to come back.

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