For my visual journaling exercise, I decided to represent how I experience life through my screen. Especially while I was at home, all my interactions with non-family members were through my phone or computer. Going on walks outside felt like a break from the screen, rather than the screen being a break from the outside world. I remember once talking to my older brother about how I looked forward to going to sleep every night because I would live vicariously through my dreams. Interestingly, during the visual journaling discussion, an individual asked a question about drawing vivid dreams. It seems that during quarantine, dreaming was a much greater element of our human experience.
At one point during the visual journaling discussion, it was mentioned that it was important to see art through virtual opportunities. However, while in quarantine, I realized that I feel a much greater connection to artwork when I am able to see it in person, rather than through a screen. Although I agree that viewing art virtually is better than not viewing art at all, I am personally unable to fully digest the image over a screen, especially when the size is morphed. A few months ago I visited the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for the first time in over a year. After solely viewing artwork through a screen in art classes, especially my art history classes, visiting the museum felt like an entirely different experience. Now, as life returns to a sense of normalcy, I have a much deeper appreciation for in-person opportunities, especially in regards to art.
I’m glad you were able to visit the museum! In yesterday’s slide critique, we were discussing how dramatically different the experience of viewing art is in-person. Thanks for the thoughtful response!