Jay, I agree that art museums "should have further resources (labels and signage) easily accessible to those who want more". Even so, many art museums present works in contexts other than historical (media, subject matter, etc.). I don't believe that they are being irresponsible. I think that allowing a museum visitor to experience art in a different way is a positive thing. I think that the Hirshorn's exhibit could be an exciting experience for any visitor. If nothing else, it would raise a number of questions in the viewer's mind and possibly would lead to a more personal museum/art experience. Janelle -----Original Message----- From: Jay Heuman [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 2003 11:41 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Article on labels in art museums [faked-from] Hi Janelle et al., In reference to your last message (below), I'd never say idealism is bad. I, too, have idealistic goals. The challenge is to find realistic methods to achieve idealistic goals. School children -- in those states that take seriously the inclusion of art in education -- can visit art museums and learn the basics of looking at art. Someday, we hope, they will become adults capable of seeing. (Significant difference between "looking" and "seeing.") However, realistically, what happens to adults who were denied such lessons while in grade school? Aren't we trying to include those who cannot look and see without guidance? (There will always be people who fit this description.) That's one reason why art museums have labels. Another reason: Art museums have a responsibility to present artwork in historical context. For this reason, lables and signage that includes artists' statements, biographical details AND interpretive texts (based upon verifiable research) belongs in art museums. So, even if a visitor can look and see, do we not hope they strive for understanding? (This is a leap from pure perception to application and abstraction.) A visitor standing before a "Neoplastic" painting by Piet Mondrian can look and (hopefully) see the interrelationship of black lines and primary colors on a white canvas. If a visitor wants to limit his/her experience to looking and seeing, that's fine. But underlying Piet Mondrian's paintings is a complex web of philosophical ideals - originating in Neoplatonism and Anthroposophy/Theosophy. So, art museums should have further resources (labels and signage) easily accessible to those who want more, for those who wish also to understand the artist's intention (if/when it is known). Sincerely, Jay Heuman Assistant Curator of Education Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art Utah State University (Logan) t 435-797-0165 f 435-797-3423 e [log in to unmask] www.artmuseum.usu.edu Education costs money, but then so does ignorance. Sir Claus Moser (b. 1922) > I simply wish people didn't feel so uncomfortable when they don't get an > explanation or just a cryptic artist statement. In my class I found many > people were intimidated by art. I'm frustrated by this attitude and > people's dependence on someone else's written statement. I want more art ed > throughout grade school, high school, higher ed. I believe experiencing > art, either with labels or no, accepting it with out judgment, including it > in one's life broadens and enriches a person incredibly. > You and I are not arguing different sides, but maybe I have a more > idealistic vision of what could be than you. > Janelle Jay Heuman Assistant Curator of Education Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art t 435 797 0165 f 435 797 3423 e [log in to unmask] www.artmuseum.usu.edu Education costs money, but then so does ignorance. Sir Claus Moser (b. 1922) ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).