An art-loving guard at the Guggenheim Museum would impose these three enlightening rules on museum- goers if she were in charge: 1. You don’t have to look at everything.
2. You do have to look at something for at least five minutes.
3. Don’t lay eyes on the wall text. This guard is also the author Bianca Bosker, whose newly published book celebrates the joy of patiently and openmindedly observing art: “Get the Picture: AMind-Bending JourneyAmong the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See.”
Bosker advises viewers to forgo museum wall text, which limits how people perceive what’s in front of them. The authoritative tone of these posted explanations suggests there’s only one correct way to appreciate an artwork. It shuts down viewers’ art adventures and discounts their personal interpretations of a work. Besides, as it turns out, many of these posted descriptions are incorrect.
Instead, trust your eyes. Trust your heart.
Imagine if we looked at each other for at least five minutes, especially people different from us. Typically, we do the opposite. We look away. Younger peoples’eyes glide past older folks with graying hair and wrinkled skin. Eyes avert when a homeless person passes by. Too often, people ignore other people whose skin color is lighter or darker than theirs or who wear religious garb. Eyes can welcome and embrace, or they can ignore and marginalize.
In my psychology private practice, some patients would ask, “How do you remember my story? Don’t you confuse me with other people?” I understood their concern that I might forget a best friend’s betrayal or the boss who promised a promotion to a less senior colleague. But I didn’t confuse my patients.
After validating this understandable worry, I’d say, “No two people are remotely alike.” One of the joys of being a psychotherapist is looking at other people for more than the five minutes Bosker advises for art appreciation. We should all follow Ms. Bosker’s advice: “Fight the urge to see what you expect to be there; focus instead on what is there.” Pause to humanize strangers by making good eye contact.
To Ms. Bosker’s wise words about observing art openly, I would add: Listen avidly and with respect to all people in your life, including the very young and the very old. And strangers, too. Perhaps you can strike up a conversation with the barista at Starbucks or Rock ‘n’ Joe’s or the older neighbor who goes out infrequently but delights when you take a few minutes to catch up.
We decry the cascade of social media and how it has invaded our lives, engulfed our kids, and shut down warm, in-person connections. Five minutes of kind eyes connecting with others and ears open to listen with care are potent antidotes to the buzzing beehive of vapid streaming content. Try it. Your mood will lift, and your heart will sing.
Share your stories of observing and listening with care at The Westfield Leader and Union County HAWK by writing “Gratitude” in the subject line and emailing press@goleader.com or pattisteckler@gmail.com.
