Join Museum Education Specialist Laura Jones for an enjoyable session where we use strategies to help us slow down and enjoy looking at art more. Following on from our recent session, Laura is back to lead us through another fun and engaging opportunity to take a slow look – this time in the Generation X: 50 Artworks from the Chartwell Collection exhibition in Toi Art on Level 4. One of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant contemporary art collections, the Chartwell Collection started in 1974 and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The works drawn from the collection for this show are a noisy, celebratory selection.
Going to an art gallery can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, so much to see and so little time. The average person spends less than 30 seconds viewing a work of art. Slow art or slow looking is an observation style gaining traction around the world that aims to change this through intentionally observing art.
What happens if we slow down and really spend some time with an artwork, get to know it and make some personal connections to it? No one in this session will tell you how to think about an artwork, you will make your own discoveries and create your own meanings, with some discussion and fun along the way!
We will spend some time looking artworks in the Generation X: 50 Artworks from the Chartwell Collection exhibition. Afterwards we will have a glass of wine in the Korero Room to chat and share our observations! (included in the ticket cost).
Laura Jones has worked in the museum education sector for over eight years. Engaging audiences and deepening narratives using art and objects is her passion. Previously, Laura has taught in schools in Cambridge, London, Barcelona, and Wellington, where her interest in art and object-based learning began. She has a degree in English and Art History, and Postgraduate qualifications in both Education and Museum and Heritage Studies. Laura loves to help people develop personal connections with art and discover the power of objects to explore critical ideas and narratives. She is passionate about helping teachers and museum professionals engage with museums in creative ways to open up the museum space for challenging conversations.
Image credit: Craig Keller, Michael Parekowhai, 2000, c-type photograph. Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery o Tamaki, 2000.