Art Museums Aren't Just For Art Enthusiasts
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Art Museums Aren't Just For Art Enthusiasts

Go and see images of pigment on cave walls, see the remaining fragments of once towering Greek monuments, see ten thousand different interpretations of love, loss, and spirituality, and in doing so, see the history of humanity.

207
Art Museums Aren't Just For Art Enthusiasts
A. Currell

As an Art History major, I happen to enjoy spending time in art museums more than your average student. I enjoy reading about the artists and the pieces, and I like reflecting on books that I’ve read, lectures I’ve attended and ideas that I’ve learned about as I wander. I enjoy bringing a sketchbook and pencils and sitting in front of a singular piece for hours, trying to capture the curve of one of Picasso’s female nudes or the flawless precision of a Magritte.

Of course, I understand that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try a little bit harder to appreciate art and its significance. Just because you don’t like history, or don’t understand why that blue canvas is considered art doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try to like it or try to understand it. In a world where it seems like people are often ignorant, let’s make it a goal to be cultured. Let’s go and see paintings that aren’t the Mona Lisa, and stray outside of the mainstream. There is something to be appreciated in art that isn’t known by everyone, and there is something to be appreciated by seeing them in person. It is much too easy to say your favorite artist is Picasso without studying Kandinsky, Ernst or Mondrian. Without getting up close to these artworks, it becomes increasingly difficult to see the creator behind them. When you can physically see the brushstrokes and in some, the pencil lines underneath the paint, and it’s as if you can visualize the artist behind the work as they physically make those marks.

Art, whether you choose to believe it or not, is one of the most incredible symbols of the power of humans. Through the denial of witnessing the evolution of our creativity, you are denying yourself understanding of how we, as humans, have developed. Humans were putting pigment to cave walls before we understood how to farm. This history is hugely important, and while it is not necessary for everyone to study it, I think that it’s vital people take two days out of their year to go see art. I think that people other than Art History majors need to appreciate our history of creating and the incredible skill and thought art requires. And yes, you definitely won’t be an art museum regular like me and my fellow art enthusiasts, but I can guarantee you’ll be happy you went, if you go with an open mind.

Go and see images of pigment on cave walls, see the remaining fragments of once towering Greek monuments, see ten thousand different interpretations of love, loss, and spirituality, and in doing so, see the history of humanity.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71199
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133201
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments