Can you write about art without actually describing it?

A glimpse into my writing cave, thoughts, throwing one idea up in the air and catching it.

Photo by Kevin Ye: https://www.pexels.com/photo/unrecognizable-kid-admiring-modern-art-paintings-in-museum-4161111/

Introduction

This week I have delved into my writing archive and pulled out a piece I wrote for a course I did with the Node Center for Curatorial Studies Online back in 2020. I completed two courses with An Paenhuysen, an independent curator, writer and art critic based in Berlin. Side note it was the most engaging and challenging four weeks on art criticism. I even stayed up until 2am Melbourne, Australia time so that I could participate in the live classes because An’s style and exercises during the session were too good to miss! #notsponsored but I adore the programming available for my professional development at the Node Center, and since I have been contracting for a little while now it’s important to seek out my own development needs plan accordingly.

One of the assignments was to attend a gallery opening or exhibition and write a piece describing everything but the art! This was tricky during newish lockdown phases, but I was able to write about an experience I was able to have with my young children at a gallery in Victoria, Australia. I won’t share which one just yet because I am curious if you might be able to guess where for those playing based in Melbourne. In my feedback An challenged me to consider writing this piece not chronologically, I also noticed some clumsy errors some three years later! So, I decided to rework it and will share it with you here with some shuffles and a few tweaks. My last line turned out to be a really good title instead IMO!

Revised piece

The golden moments happen in between

Mornings spent with young people experiencing art and its surroundings is something to behold. We arrive in the car park lined with large gum trees and were pleasantly greeted by seven large cockatoos with bright yellow crests alert for the arrival and sudden movements of two highly enthusiastic young boys. “Look at the letters!” “Yes, do you want a picture in front of them?” and “look, your favourite colours.” “Do you need a wee? I need a wee” … “No, I don't need a wee!” “Are you sure you haven't gone since breakfast?!” “No, I don't. I told you already” (a few moments later) “I need a wee Mum” (sigh).