Have you ever walked into a museum and questioned whether you’re doing it “right?” You’re not alone, and whether you’re a seasoned vet of museums or someone stepping foot in an art gallery for the first time, knowing how to appreciate art can go a long way and ensure your time spent in museums is meaningful and unforgettable.
What is Art Appreciation?
So, what is art appreciation, and what does it mean? In its simplest terms, art appreciation is about looking at art, reflecting upon it, and evaluating it. It is viewing the world from another perspective. Appreciating art means making a personal emotional connection, and allowing it to confound, infuriate, frustrate, challenge, and provide comfort and happiness.
Many different ways exist in which people can appreciate art. Some people appreciate it by standing and staring at a painting for ten minutes, contemplating what’s at hand. Others appreciate it by exploring socio-political relevance or developing essential questions about life and death.
Some people gravitate towards works of abstraction rendered in paint with lots of colors, while others are drawn to works carved and molded into sculptures. Appreciation is relative to personal attraction and willingness to engage.
For children, as well as those who enter into a life of academia and beyond, art appreciation fosters visual literacy. That’s the capability of deriving meaning through imagery. In an increasingly image-oriented world, this is a worthy skillset as visual messages can say more than just words ever could.
Why Does Art Appreciation Matter?
Art can connect us to cultures, histories, emotions, and ideas. It can stop time, foster insight and understanding, or offer a sense of peace. Learning art appreciation:
- Helps us become more observant and aware
- Inspires creative and critical thinking
- Fosters empathy by understanding others’ perspectives
- Creates conversation and community
Appreciating art can make us better human beings who better understand ourselves and the world around us. Art can comment on social injustice, cultural variances, and the human condition.
We operate in such a fast-paced world that we often forget to slow down, be in the moment, and appreciate the details. Art and museums help emphasize the importance of paying attention, whether viewing something centuries old or a brand-new piece that stirs the pot, the experience is personal.
Orlando’s art scene is centralized within OMA, offering a place where people of all backgrounds can come together to explore art and what it means to be human.
Preparing for a Museum Visit
You don’t need to know anything about art to appreciate it; you just need curiosity. Art should be enjoyed by everyone regardless of experience, status, culture, or socioeconomic background. Here are a few things you can do to prepare before walking through the doors:
Keep an Open Mind
Forget needing to “get it.” You don’t have to “get it” to appreciate art. You need to experience it. Art is not math, and it doesn’t need to be solved. Don’t go in with expectations. Allow whatever you see to surprise you, and trust your instincts.
Don’t read the label first. Don’t check your phone for extra information. Interpret the art before outside bias interferes. That’s the beauty of a museum and its magic. Every work is experienced differently by everyone.
Some works might not resonate with you at all, and that’s okay. Not every exhibition or installation will be your favorite, but even confusion and irritation can inspire and lead to personal lessons learned.
Do a Little Research
Find out what’s going to be on view from OMA’s Exhibitions or Collections pages. Anticipation of what you might see also allows you to better spend your time in galleries more intentionally. You can also enhance your experience by utilizing the Orlando Museum of Art’s mobile guide, available through the free Bloomberg Connects app, which offers tours and interactive content.
It’s often worth it to look up an artist or theme beforehand, especially with children or students, to foster discussion. Sometimes learning about an artist’s life, era in which they created, or culture can help relate their work to your own experience.
Ask Questions
You do NOT need to be a formally trained art historian to engage with work. Here are some reflective questions to consider:
- What do I notice first?
- How does this make me feel?
- What do I think the artist was trying to say?
- Does this remind me of anything in my life?
Your insights and reflections are just as important as an academic approach. Art is more meaningful when connected to what you already know.
Encourage kids and teens to ask questions as well. Keep it feeling light and narrative-driven rather than focused on art terms to keep it accessible and fun!
How to Look at Art: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Pause and Observe
Give every piece a moment. Don’t just look at the art, take time to see what the artist intended. Give yourself time, let your eyes wander, don’t let anyone else buzzing by force you to keep moving just because they’re ready. Experience the art on your time.
Spend at least a minute on one piece and absorb it all, taking in the small details. What do you realize over time?
2. Identify What You See
Is it colorful? Monochromatic? Smooth? Rough? Impressionistic? Realistic? Pay attention to the medium and application as it builds your vocabulary and forces you to become more involved.
What’s the subject? Is it moving or still? Are shapes repeated or juxtaposed inconsistently? Acknowledging what’s there makes you more aware and can improve your appreciation of other pieces.
3. Interpret Meaning
What does it mean? What does it mean to you? What are the feelings behind it? Is there symbolism? Historically or culturally relevant connections? Investigate what the artist might be trying to say, and think about how you would’ve said it instead. Oftentimes, art means one thing in its time period and another, years later.
Think of art like a story. Everyone has a story to tell. You just need to listen and then respond. The good news is, there’s never one right response.
4. Read the Label – Or Don’t
The wall labels offer history and context. They can enhance your experience, but they also don’t need to color your understanding until after you’ve had your initial reaction. Read them after you’ve conceived your idea based on what you saw, or ignore them completely to see if your perspective offers something new.
Your opinion could either agree with what the label has to say, or it could provide an even deeper perspective that may never have been realized otherwise. Labels can help contextualize the artwork historically, introduce you to some symbolism or deeper meaning, or connect you to other artists you’d want to get to know.
5. Reflect and Discuss
Share your thoughts and findings with a friend or write about them. Sharing impressions creates new ways of seeing art. Give children the power to communicate what they see or think. Their inexperience and fresh view of the world can provide perspectives you never considered.
Also, keep a running tally of your favorite pieces in a sketchbook like a mini art journal. It’ll make future museum visits all the more personal.
Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Museum Visit
- Visit during off-hours. Less crowded possibilities exist on weekday mornings and late afternoons.
- Take a tour. OMA offers tours based on themes, and docents can give you more insight into the exhibition.
- Join us for events. Events like Family Days, Art in Bloom, Festival of Trees, and Access for All days celebrate art, music, food, and fundraising in the community.
- Invite family and friends. Art is a conversation. Invite others to experience it with you, as they’ll add their perspective to yours.
- Return to previously seen works. As you grow, so does your interpretation. A piece you didn’t enjoy before can become a new favorite.
- Enjoy content at home. Supplement an extraordinary OMA experience with a book or podcast about the art and artists.
- Look for hands-on opportunities. OMA workshops and youth programs bring art to life through creating and teaching.
- Be comfortable. Good shoes go a long way. Take breaks, and allow for breathing space between pieces. Aim to digest instead of rushing through.
Practice Art Appreciation at OMA
The Orlando Museum of Art is an oasis of discovery, a second home that instantly welcomes you, filled with opportunities to connect with and learn from art. Opportunities to appreciate art exist year-round, with contemporary collections and those from Florida’s history always available.
- Explore rotating exhibitions on view now: Current Exhibitions
- Dive deeper with hands-on opportunities at the OMA Learn Hub
- Enjoy a guided visit through tours and stroller-friendly experiences
- Celebrate creativity through signature events like Family Highlights Tours, the Florida Prize, and gallery talks
- Become a member for unlimited visits and exclusive perks: Join OMA
School field trips, professional development for teachers, and family-inclusive programming take place year-round, with each step inside OMA bringing us closer to the art and to one another.
When it’s time for your next visit to OMA, you’ll do more than just appreciate the art. You’ll be prepared to celebrate it.
Whether you’re discovering a favorite piece for the first time or returning to one that has grown with you, OMA offers countless opportunities to explore, reflect, and connect.
Art appreciation is about discovering what you like, beyond what’s presented to you. It means being present, asking questions, and discovering something new every time. Let OMA be your guide as you continue your art journey, one masterpiece at a time.
