To me, the people are a part of the artwork.
Most artists agree that an artwork does not exist on its own unaffected by the space, but rather the space around it either adds to it or takes away from it. Many artists spend longer planning the placement of the artwork in the gallery space than they do planning the artwork. I think there is a good quote about this, I'll have to find it!
But more so than the space contributes to the experience (Linden was a great space), for me the people can make or break the experience (as you'll hear about when I tell you about my first experience at a gallery opening). People carry an atmosphere, which impacts upon perspective.
I love people, and that is probably a part of why I feel that the audience is such a big part of the experience of viewing an artwork. Everyone brings something different to contribute.
On that note, here is what truly made Linden a unique experience for me, it was not the art on the wall but a postcard of a work titled 'Bread' from the much-loved open entry Linden Postcard Show that stood out to me. While I was perusing the various postcards from the history of the exhibition, I met a lovely lady (we’ll call her Anne) who was a local and frequent visitor to the gallery.
Anne told me about a few of the pieces that she had personally seen when they were displayed. I asked her about “Bread” my own favourite and she surprised me with the most wonderful story. She said, “I can’t remember the artist’s meaning but I can tell you why it is significant to me.”
Anne went on to tell me a bit of her story. The way she spoke of her experiences as a child was beautifully romantic to me, and though it would have been many moons ago, it was still very real to her.
Growing up Anne's family were quite poor, but her Mum was a good cook, she cooked simple foods well. Anne remembered how when guests came over, her mother managed to stretch the food by buying little accompaniments so that everyone could be fed. One of these times, Anne’s mother sent her to buy a loaf of white bread that would be sliced thin and shared between the guests. Anne was only a little girl and she was so hungry that as she was walking home she began to pull at the white fleshy inside of the bread. By the time Anne arrived home she realised that she had eaten all but the crust. She thought to herself that her mother would be so angry that she had eaten something so precious. Anne gingerly opened the front door and carrying empty shell in her hands presented it to her mother. She said her mother's response was something she would never forget. She was not angry but gentle and kind, understanding that Anne was only a little girl, she comforted her explaining that what is done is done and they would just have to get by without bread that night.”
Anne told us how when she saw this artwork, the crust of a piece of bread, it reminded her of that moment, of hard times and of the beautiful forgiving nature of her mother.
Everyone brings something different to an artwork. Whether you are visiting galleries because you are new to a city like me, on a holiday, or just going on an adventure; I encourage you to not just look to the art on the wall as a lone entity, but to embrace the people around you and let their presence add to your perspective.
I promise you will be better for it.
This city is already beginning to feel like home.
This adventurer is ready for a cup of tea and a good night's sleep.
From one explorer to another, happy sleeping.
Renee Bell
*name changed by request of individual
