I used to dislike the audio packs for art exhibits, but over time I've changed my mind. Today we saw a lovely Bonnard show, and my husband and I both got the audio. I believe it's not just a change of heart on my part, but the audios are better: less intrusive, no talking down to the listener, more specific and usually encompassing at least two points of view. They are no longer lectures, but more natural responses to seeing the art, with a few bits of information thrown in to enhance our understanding. There were plenty of paintings without numbers, and I went at my own pace. I could sit down in silence, or chose a painting with audio and ponder what was being said. Nothing was shoved down my throat; all was easeful.
Now part of my conversion is not just the improved quality of the tapes, but my eyesight. To have to read so much text on the wall is straining to my eyes, and I relax more when I don't need to read. I can keep my experience primarily a visual take on the painting, and with most of the works there is no aural component. If I've enjoyed a show, as I very much did this one, I'll buy the catalogue, and sit down at home under excellent light and read up about what interests me. This process brings my recall back and lets me feel the art with my body. Right now I can already tell you the color was so very sensual and stunning, that the mind cannot encompass it in any meaningful way. Experiencing this exhibit will be going on for weeks or months. And I'm willing to let the various parts of the process of being the viewer and the listener and the reader interact with each other for a deeper, richer engagement with Bonnard's art.
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