Reflection from Williams Museum

Once again a typical museum “Hi, Welcome, come in and buy from your gift shop!” It shouted. This museum as far as I was able to see did not offer me a chance to learn about the actual structure and who brought it to the school, and how it became to be. That was sad for me, because I need to make that connection. I need to understand the history of a place to understand the why. I was immediately turned off by the pink ball display. To me it wasn’t art. Maybe it was considered art to some folks; however, I need that connection. I later heard an interpretation about that display and it enticed me to revisit it on my way out and see it in a different light. I thought the art was abstract and did not offer clear-cut stories. The lack of those stories made me slightly bored and disinterested. Bernadette showed me a piece that she had interpreted and shared with the group. When I looked at it, I offered my interpretation, which she immediately said, that that was apparent to her but she actually was going to change her position on what the picture meant. I felt good that I was able to understand something, but for the most part the art made me feel marginalized, as only the artist really understood what it was about and the viewer was left to interpret and guess and surmise. I was happy to spend time with Fran and Patrick who offered their insight and their passion. It was nice to see the joy in someone in a place where I felt confusion and disorientation. I probably will not come back on my own; however, if we were to return next year I will try once again to keep an open eye and try to learn something, as I did with Bernadette, Fran and Patrick.