This last weekend, I flew to Chicago to spend time with my uncle. He’s a super awesome dude, and like all super awesome people, he is fond of art. It’s no surprise, then, that one of the many super fun things we did was hit up the Art Institute of Chicago. I have to confess, I didn’t actually know it was a museum: when I think “Art Institute,” I think of what is apparently the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Who knew. Anyways, the Art Institute has one of the nation’s premier art collections, and I’m a huge art museum junkie, so I absolutely wanted to go.
Generally speaking, I usually go to art museums solo. Whether I’m travelling alone, or just going in my free time, I can go at my own pace, and look at whatever specific things I want to see. Because attending with friends or family isn’t the norm, I always forget how fun it is to be able to show off my art know-how. I’ve taken enough art history and studio art classes (as well as being a generally curious person) that I can comment on a huge range of art, from Roman coins to Renaissance nudes to pop art prints. Having the knowledge and opinions helps me enjoy the art more, and really, that would be enough, but being able to brag about share my knowledge with others is exhilarating. I feel so worldly and smart, it’s a major ego boost.
In that vein, here is my suggestion: EVERY COLLEGE STUDENT SHOULD TAKE AN ART HISTORY CLASS. Most of the population at large, even the people who are fond of art, can’t talk about it at any great length, or critique it with any depth. The ability to discuss the arts with confidence is so empowering and so dang fun that I believe everyone should be able to do it, at least a little. Pick an art class based on an artist or movement that you think sounds cool, and even if you hate it, you can say with confidence why you hate it, and, even better, why you’re right.
So, there’s my little advice for the week. Take art history, read about art movements on Wikipedia, and generally educate yourself enough that you can sound smart in a land of lofty and often snooty people.
As a little side note, y’all should look up Ivan Albright. I’d never heard of him before this trip, and his stuff is just awesomely weird, and grotesque, and fascinating.
On the side of a side of a box containing some unrelated note, I’m going to post some pictures of books I’ve made this semester, just because I’ve been having such a grand time, and I’m excited by how well they’re turning out. Again, let me know if you want to buy one.
I hope your long weekend was lovely!