Picture it. It’s a balmy Friday night on the east side of Buffalo. My family and I have just finished off the last bits of a homemade meal fit for royalty. Our bellies are full, the night is still young and, as luck would have it, our social calendars seem to be free. Sitting at the table before empty dinner plates my nine year old son, Shayne, bellows, “What now, mom? I’m bored!” Next, my twelve year old, Sam, exclaims, “Me too, there’s nothing to do.” As I sit there, patiently, waiting for my husband to have his say, I realize there’s silence. I think to myself, “What? This man is not talking? He isn’t uttering a word of reprimand to these children of ours. Is he dead?” Then, it occurs to me, “This is a good thing.” Little did they know, my husbands’ quiescence provided a prime opportunity for me to trade in our old “ritual” of a frozen treats at the local ice creamery for a new one of artistic culture at the Albright-Knox, but, I had to act fast.
So, without much thought, I emphatically squealed, “Why don’t we go to the art gallery? It’s free!” (Okay it was only free for the kids, but, free is a good word, and, that’s all it took. I had my husband hook, line and sinker….the boys, well; they had no choice, but, to tag along.)
As we entered the gallery I informed my family that of the many priceless exhibits showcased in this historic site, our prime target was the Op Art Revisited Exhibition. It was at this time, both my boys turned to me and, in unison, inquired “What’s Op Art?” I had to stop and think…”How do I explain Op Art to kids?” So, I answered as best I could, “It’s a style of art that creates an optical illusion. It looks like its moving when it’s really standing still. It’s fun!” (Fun. That’s another good word, and, just like their dad, they bought it hook, line and sinker. Mommy’s two for two.)
It was about 30 minutes after unleashing the almost demented enthusiasm of my children into the sea of more civilized gallery patrons, I had my first realization…they really are having fun. How could they not? The art is interactive and draws the viewer in. Unbeknownst to the spectator, they become apart of the piece. It is a performance of sorts, comprised of the artist, the artwork and the observer…each of whom have their role to play. Then came another awakening, art doesn’t have to be stuffy or static or serious to be of significance…to have a voice...to make a point or to get your attention. It can be humorous, and whimsical and fanciful and fun and (somewhat) free and still be heard (which, in the case of the Op Art or Optical Art, would be to stress the relationship between form and function).
The exhibition had done its job. The art was experienced rather than just looked at, my family was entertained in refreshing new way and I was educated on a number of levels. When all was said and done, the dual mission of completing an assignment and finding a refreshing reprieve from the monotony of the usual had been accomplished.
Not bad for "fun" and "free".
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