Art is all around us. Whether we go out of our way to see it or pass it along the street, we are constantly inundated with art. But are we ever truly present when we look at it? This presence in the moment is often overshadowed by distractions, preoccupations, or simply a lack of interest. We glance, but do we really see? To experience art fully means more than just acknowledging its existence. It requires a conscious effort to engage with it, to let it provoke emotions, thoughts, or even discomfort. It's about stopping for a moment, setting aside the rush of daily life, and allowing ourselves to be affected by what we see.
At least that’s how I try to experience art. When interviewing Bélen recently, she shared some similar sentiments. She said she wanted her audience to “experience the work.” I pushed on this further, and she reiterated that she wants them to be present with the work, to “not see it through a screen, but to see it up close.” Last week we talked about preserving the experience when in relation to the light hitting the glass. Belén expressed that light wasn’t necessary in her intention, but enhanced the experience. Perhaps this idea is an incentive for audiences to see the work up close and personal- the light hitting the glass is something that can only be captured properly in person. Next week we’ll discuss how the real life experience creates a challenge for a digital archive.