At the bustling entrance of Stauffer Library, time seemed to pause as viewers were drawn into storied artwork.
On Sept. 25th from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Agnes Etherington Art Centre hosted a “Deep Looking” tour, featuring a curated selection of pieces from artists Jaylene Cardinal and Dakota Ward’s exhibit, Spirits of the Land. The tour, guided by Agnes Programs and Education Curator Charlotte Gagnier, ArtSci ’16, provided an intimate look at some of the pieces on display from the Agnes Off-Site project in the Stauffer Library Atrium.
Gagnier started the tour by emphasizing the importance of “taking time to slow down and deeply observe works.” The practice, which involves focusing on an art piece for three minutes, helps to create deep connections between the audience and the work, after research has shown that most people look at artwork for an average of 8 to 10 seconds. By allowing time for viewers to notice the textures, hues, and shapes that make up the composition of the piece.
After explaining the process of slow observation, the group moved over to the first piece, titled “Between Worlds.” The group of approximately seven individuals, ranging from undergraduate, graduate and local Kingston residents, observed the artwork unconventionally. The bustling atrium infused the pieces with the familiarity of everyday student life. Students hurrying to class or to study may not stop for even those 8 seconds.
But there we were caught. For three minutes amidst the current of student life, we stared up at the wall in silence. “Between Worlds” featured bright blues, reds, and greens, woven linework all interknit with colour. The piece’s focal point was an individual who pulsed with life, energy coursing throughout their body in reds and blues.
“Deep looking” at the piece was followed by a guided discussion led by Gagnier, where the group talked about how the composition created meaning for the viewer. For some, it represented creation, for others, energy. It was beautiful to watch everyone’s different interpretations come together to formulate a story for the piece—all in a unique, viewer-based way. No signs were looked at. No artist’s intention was dictated. There were no “rights” or “wrongs” to individual interpretation.
Soon, we shuffled over for a deep look at “Let Go.” Featuring dark, cool tones, “Let Go” was calming to observe. In it, a girl and her shimmering blue hair—almost resembling a waterfall—appear to release a butterfly into the cosmos. The longer I stared, the further I was pulled into the piece, almost feeling the night sky surround me.
This serenity was starkly at odds with the surroundings of Stauffer. But as “Deep Looking” taught, all it takes is a little mindfulness to find beauty in chaos. This experience wasn’t only new for members of the tour group. “I believe this is the first time that the Agneshas held an exhibit in Stauffer,” Gagnier said in an interview with The Journal.
Moving into the Union Gallery to finish the tour in a quieter environment, Gagnier finished off the presentation by handing out stickers to each of the participants, sparking smiles among tour members, young and old.
The next Deep Looking tour will take place on Oct. 30th from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring Janice Reid: Fluorescent Biege.
Tags
Agnes Etherington, Art, Deep Looking, Visual art
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