The Art of Observation
Spring 2023 UTA Fine Art Collections exhibition,The Art of Observation opens with a reception on Thursday, February 16, 12-2pm.
Scientific studies have shown that visitors often race through a gallery or museum in an attempt to “see it all” - spending an average between 8 and 25.4 seconds with each artwork. A deeper connection with the message or symbolism held in the piece is lost as the individual hurries about, glossing over the designs and narratives that took an artist so much dedication and time to create. Intriguingly, this time-span increases when the artwork is viewed in groups. The interest of the one seemingly influences the interest of the many, as they try to discover for themselves exactly what that person sees that they don’t. However, once that momentary connection is lost and the group disperses the visitor moves onward to the next work on display and the process is repeated.
For the Spring 2023 exhibition, the viewer is invited to participate in the practice of slow looking, sitting with an artwork, taking time to get to know it visually, writing down every detail that they see as a mental exercise. The process requires focused observation and analysis of the artworks' content but allows them to form a personal connection with the piece of their choice through visual exploration. In support of this, a selection of works has been gathered from the UTA Fine Art Collections that showcase the 21 Elements and Principles of Art. These elements of art are often referred to as "building blocks" used to construct an artwork step-by-step, while principles of design are how those building blocks are arranged.
Exhibition Dates: February 13 - May 5, 2023
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 16, 12-2 pm
Visual Resource Commons & Gallery
Fine Arts Building
Room 2109, 2ndfloor
For more information on these or other artworks from the University of Texas at Arlington Fine Art Collections, please contact Cheryl Mitchell, Collections Specialist.