Some people treat a visit to a museum the same way they read a magazine: they're skimmers. Others take a more "War and Peace" approach. While I'm not quite Tolstoyic, I do like to take my time and really appreciate the exhibit. And I usually purchase the guidebook or audio tour because I want to know more. I want the history, the backstory, the in-depth insight. But according to an article this week in the NY Times arts section, most museum visitors are more interested in taking photographs of the exhibits than actually seeing them.
Part of this is attributed to a "cornicopia of culture." We are a society rich in access to art, theater, design, literature and music. But all too often we adopt a "checklist" mentality when it comes to the appreciation of the arts: Been there, done that, and "1,000 Things to Do/See/Read/Visit/Experience Before You Die." Jeez, talk about a lot of pressure. No wonder we're so rushed -- we've got a lot to do before we permanently clock out.
So I'm curious...what do you think? Are you a skimmer or do you like to make a day of it? Leave a comment and let me know!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/03/arts/design/03abroad.html/
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