The Restorative Power of an Art Gallery
I will admit that an art gallery may not be enticing to everyone, but in my opinion it can be one of the most interesting and enjoyable experiences, regardless of your feelings towards art. Even if you’re not an art connoisseur, pushing yourself to explore and learning to see things from other points of view is never a bad thing. For those of us who are fans of art and artistic expression, it goes without saying that seeing new artwork, or even revisiting old favorites, is always a pleasant experience.
Beyond the art itself, I often find art museums and galleries offer other aspects that are equally, if not more, powerful than the art itself. The interior settings of an art space are always interesting. An art gallery also presents the ultimate setting for great people watching. And any visit to an art gallery offers an exciting introspective opportunity.
Art galleries are often home to some of the most interesting and innovative architecture, meaning a visit to a gallery can be both an immersive art experience as well as a visual one. For those who aren’t necessarily interested in the work on the wall, why not take a look at the walls themselves? We often take our surroundings for granted so it can be quite illuminating to ponder the various ways in which our experiences and behaviors can be shaped by interior spaces.
Speaking of behavior, an art gallery is also an ideal location to partake in some people watching. People, at least to me, are endlessly interesting and the way a person explores an art gallery can be one of the most interesting things to witness. Seeing how different people engage with the same art (and spaces) can open your eyes to the many ways we are different and simultaneously similar.
And finally, once you’re done admiring the art, architecture and people, take a moment for yourself. Art galleries create a uniquely calm atmosphere and tend to be fairly quiet, making them the perfect place for self-reflection. Art itself has the unique ability to speak to people in a variety of different ways, so take a moment to think about how each aspect of the gallery has affected you. Perhaps you’ve found a new source of inspiration, or maybe you’ve discovered a new artist. Even if you hated the exhibit, there’s no denying the power of a visit to an art gallery to inspire and rejuvenate.
Art galleries are really what you make of them. Even if you’re not a gallery regular the experience can still be rewarding. So if you’re looking to expand your perspective, visit an art gallery. Even if it’s not your first choice, you’ll surely find something about the experience to appreciate.