Comments for The Art History Blog

Comment on Who Shot Andy Warhol? (The Musical) by David Ochiltree

David Ochiltree — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:11:29 +0000

I love that poster. An inspiration for my art classes.

Comment on Big Questions for the Met’s Thomas Campbell…and you by On Museums and Museum Education | The Art History Blog

On Museums and Museum Education | The Art History Blog — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:46:26 +0000

[...] conversation continues to happen here on the Art Histoy Blog surrounding this nearly two-year-old post about the effectiveness of museums, inspired by Steven Colbert! Check it out, and please contribute [...]

Comment on Big Questions for the Met’s Thomas Campbell…and you by Chelsea

Chelsea — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:24:33 +0000

William, thanks for your comment and for contributing to this conversation! I was playing off the terminology Stephen Colbert used on the show, but I see what you’re saying. Perhaps a better way to phrase it would be, how do we encourage museum visitors to be comfortable engaging with art?

Comment on Big Questions for the Met’s Thomas Campbell…and you by Chelsea

Chelsea — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:22:31 +0000

Dorothy, thanks so much for your comment! I am with you, and since this post was posted a two years ago (!), the idea of curatorial authority has absolutely become a museum world debate. I am so glad you shared the 50/50 exhibition with readers here--I think it's become a bit of a game changer. My own museum is integrating a voting process for our anniversary which shares 50/50's goals. I'd also point readers towards the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum's Top 40 exhibition featured on Museum 2.0, another example of crowdsourced exhibitions in art museums. Thanks again for your comment!

Comment on Big Questions for the Met’s Thomas Campbell…and you by Chelsea

Chelsea — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:18:45 +0000

Emilie, a great point! And a late reply to your comment: I absolutely agree that school-age children are an integral part of creating an art-curious and -enriched society. But I’d argue with you on your point about teens and college students–even if their first art experience is at that age, they are still absolutely game for being turned on to art. I interpreted the character Steven Colbert played in this episode as one who doesn’t or rarely go to museums at all, and certainly doesn’t spend time with a kick-butt museum educator while he’s there. I’d say an accessible, friendly facilitator is a powerful gateway to art, art history, and museums. Thanks again for your thoughtful comment!

Comment on Big Questions for the Met’s Thomas Campbell…and you by Chelsea

Chelsea — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:11:35 +0000

Hi Ren, a very late reply to your comment! Thanks for your thoughts. The ideology behind your gallery reminds me a lot of ArtPrize--it's heartening to hear how positive the response was when the attitude was open and friendly and the interpretive materials accessible. Museums could take a leaf out of your gallery's book for sure! Thanks again for your comment and kind words.

Comment on Big Questions for the Met’s Thomas Campbell…and you by William H. A. Williams

William H. A. Williams — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:55:21 +0000

This thread looks a bit dead, time wise, that is. But the comments are all excellent. Nevertheless, I am not sure I get the question about getting art. What is it we are supposed to “get?” If I throw a ball to you, do you “get” it or does it get you? You will feel it more if it gets you.

Comment on Big Questions for the Met’s Thomas Campbell…and you by Dorothy

Dorothy — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 06:37:59 +0000

As a museum educator these are questions and conversations that I too grapple with on a daily basis. While Colbert was (presumably) joking, or perhaps just being tongue in cheek, I think that his comment about visitor’s voting about the art on view holds some weight. Institutions practically apotheosize the curator and their choices, but to what avail? I love the Walker Art Center’s “50/50″ initiative where visitors were able to vote on whether particular artworks should “definitely” or “maybe not” be included in their upcoming exhibition, 50/50: Audience and Experts Curate the Paper Collection. I wish more museums would push the envelope in this way and experiment with different models. I recognize that this discussion hasn’t been touched in almost a year, but I wanted to share the 50/50 exhibition!
You can read about the exhibition here: http://visualarts.walkerart.org/detail.wac?id=5808&title=Past%20Exhibitions

Comment on Frick’s Vermeers Reunited by fine art shopper

fine art shopper — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 13:19:31 +0000

I’ve heard the Victoria and albert are looking at getting a vermeere show in 2012

Comment on Highlights of Rome by Setareh

Setareh — Sun, 15 May 2011 21:09:25 +0000

The dome makes the Pantheon remarkable. I think it’s amazing that the coffers are a from of decoration but also a form of weight control in the ceiling. The oculus allows natural light to illuminate the surface of the dome, giving the feeling of truly being in the presence of the gods. Seeing photos of the Pantheon are exciting, but I think if one were to visit Rome and be able to walk into the Pantheon (And other Roman architectures), you would encounter a breathtaking experience you would always remember.