When we enter an art museum, or Gund Gallery in this case, it’s easy to forget that the art did not magically appear on its own. Not only was it crafted by an unseen artist, but it was carefully selected, staged, and presented with the audience and a cohesive exhibit message in mind.
Too often, we do not question the art, the little information provided about it, or the conclusions drawn that are not entirely our own. We stand back, view the art from a reverent distance, decide whether we like it, hate it, or just plain don’t get it, and continue on the path that the art history and studio art majors have paved for us.
As the last weeks of winter drag on, we seem to do the same with our closets. Blistering cold winds, ice-covered sidewalks, and the occasional post-melt slush puddles confine our outfits to snow boots, oversized sweaters, and skinny jeans. The daring among us attempt fleece-lined leggings and swishing dresses or maxi skirts that hide woolen tights.
I propose a sartorial change in the way we look at winter. Forget how you look at winter clothes for a minute. Take a trip to Gund Gallery, and forget how you’re supposed to look at art, too.
It isn’t church; it’s art.
It was made to affect you, to be a force. Get up close and personal with it. If you dare, touch it, smell it, sit on the floor with it, look from below or above, look with only your left eye. Find a new angle and see what you discover about the art. Bring the inspiration back to your dorm when get dressed each morning.
Here’s some of what Gund’s newest exhibit inspired in my imagination:
Images:
Art photostaken by Hannah Hippen of the “Resistance & Revolution: Responses in Contemporary Print, Technology and Community Activism” and “Tchotchke: Mass-Produced Sentimental Objects in Contemporary Art: Mass-Produced Sentimental Objects in Contemporary Art” in Gund Gallery. All artwork belongs to respective artists, and no full works art pictured in this article.
All outfits were created on polyvore.com and all products belong to their respective retailers.
(http://www.polyvore.com/her_campus4/set?id=149064646
http://www.polyvore.com/her_campus/set?id=149060795