You Call That Art?

I remember my first museum experiences when I traveled to New York City with my teacher in 1982. The museums in Manhattan are some of the best in the world and I never tire taking groups and for some, for the first time. I know it can be overwhelming.

I was seventeen years old and eager to see the works of the masters. Apparently I used to draw a lot as a child, so much so my mother said that it was me who asked to take an oil painting class when I was eight. Yes, my mother enrolled me in 1973, therefore, you all know there were few if any computer games at that time. I was interested in the arts from an early age.

While in architecture school and as a part of the curriculum the study of art history was mandatory. By that time I already had my list of favorite artists as well as a limited understanding of the mediums within which these artists worked: Be it watercolor, oils, acrylics, or pastels, and more significantly many used several at the same time.

While dabbling in the arts I grew to enjoy a variety of three-dimensional and collage works of art as well. Within these mediums manipulated independently or mixed brings great opportunity for expression.

Before entering any museum it is important to know what you are about to see and experience, understand the differences between an anthropological museum verses a museum collection that distinguishes itself as a presentation of genre such as contemporary, period, or independently curated from a personal interest perspective. As a form of expression the work (the painting, or the object) can be so personal that it may be difficult to understand what it is the artist is trying to convey especially if it is not a literal interpretation. Even literal interpretations two-dimensional or three-dimensional and/or used metaphorical or allegorical can be considered abstract. If this is the case don’t be discouraged it may not need to be interpreted. Your reaction may be the ultimate result and the artist’s objective.

Art is subjective, and as a learning process for each of us I am patient with my guests; however, when describing something please be respectful. To hate something without reason other than one does not understand it is the same thing as having a closed mind. Art’s purpose in our lives is to help us understand ourselves, to sustain our constant and evolving surrounds, and ultimately the manifestation of our very existence.

Air Quotes

When words aren’t necessary, I meet unique people during each tour I conduct here in New York City, this week I received a call from another guide; this guide organizes bicycle tours of the city. He called me because a couple of the students in the group do not know how to ride a bike. The minute I was informed the high school students were visiting from Beijing, I immediately said, “I have no language skills.”

My friend Richard said, “don’t worry about it, they understand English, plau they are here for the American experience and they are here to use their skills speaking English. It is in times like this where I am ashamed that I did not take advantage of my resources for language development while in college. I have traveled abroad and found that I cannot read a menu.

I met the two young ladies and their teacher on a very cold, January morning. The first question they asked, “Do you speak Chinese?” I shook my head and said, “No, I’m sorry.” They were very gracious and we were off. We made our way to the subway and we traveled from 106^th Street to West 4^th Street in order to begin our tour in what was once known here in New York as the American Ward.

As soon as we came above ground my cell phone was buzzing up a storm. During the street safety orientation it was discovered that five other students didn’t possess the skill level to maneuver Manhattan by bicycle. Richard was panicking, I said, “begin your tour, I will get the kids.” Now my group has grown to seven kids and the one teacher.

Walking from Washington Square Park to SoHo it was so cold out maybe twenty-five degrees when my fingers began to burn. I took the kids to a café’ off of Bleeker Street for hot chocolate. While we were seated getting warm they asked interesting questions. One young lady asked, “We see a lot of Americans talk with their hands.” As an example she gestured with her pointer and second finger and then she asked, “What does this mean?”

I found myself at a loss for words, not only is there a language barrier, but the Chinese don’t use quotation marks as a part of their text. The symbolic gesture is completely lost in translation. I have no idea if they understand each time I repeat, “It is an emphatic gesture,” all the while gesturing with our fingers. To on-lookers we looked like we were playing charades as we tried to make statements using air quotes.