Beyond the surface—a guide to truly seeing and appreciating art

Walking into an art gallery can feel like stepping into an enigmatic world. The polished floors, pristine white walls, and art that seems to whisper in languages you don’t quite understand can be overwhelming. But here’s the truth: you don’t need a degree in art history or a knack for spotting hidden meanings to connect with art. At its core, art is an invitation to feel, question, and engage. In an era where art exhibitions have become cultural hotspots, knowing how to truly see art isn’t just a skill—it’s a form of self-discovery.

Experts and curators agree that there is no one “right” way to experience art. But how do you make the most of your experience? And how do you truly see art? 

Enter with an open mind

Art is personal, instinctive, and, above all, open-ended. “Take a moment to breathe in the atmosphere before diving into the artwork,” advises Uday Jain, director of Dhoomimal Gallery. The space itself—the lighting, layout, and quiet hum of the environment—is part of the experience. Resist the urge to rush; let the setting unfold slowly. Art isn’t about comprehension at first glance but about giving yourself the time and space to connect.

Lubna Sen, founder of The Art Route, echoes this sentiment: “Don’t worry about whether you understand the artwork, whether you like it, or whether you feel knowledgeable enough. None of that matters.” Art invites you to immerse yourself without pressure or judgment, much like enjoying a particular genre of music or a film. If an artwork resonates, follow that instinct. If it doesn’t, that’s okay too.

Begin with intuition

When viewing art, intuition often guides the first response. “Start where your gaze naturally falls,” Sen suggests. Artists design their work to draw the viewer’s eye using elements like line, form, colour, and texture. Pay attention to where your attention lingers—perhaps on a vibrant hue or the interplay of light and shadow.

“Art isn’t about instant comprehension,” Sen reminds us. “It’s about an experience.” Engage with the piece on a sensory level first, allowing feelings of curiosity, awe, or even discomfort to emerge before trying to rationalise your reaction.

Explore the medium and technique

Once an artwork captures your attention, look closer. Jain suggests noticing the materials and techniques: “Is it a bold oil painting with thick, textured strokes, or a delicate watercolour that feels almost fragile?” The medium itself tells a story, offering clues about the artist’s intent and process.

For instance, the swirling lines of Edvard Munch’s The Scream convey anguish and trauma, while the texture of Van Gogh’s Starry Night brings its turbulent energy to life. These details—colour, composition, brushwork—are the building blocks of artistic expression, and their interplay can deepen your understanding of a piece.

Ask questions and engage

“Art appreciation begins with intuition, followed by exploration,” says Sen. Let curiosity guide you. Why has the artist chosen certain colours? What might the recurring symbols mean? Don’t hesitate to ask gallery professionals about the artist’s journey, recurring themes, or the cultural and historical context of the work.

As Vikram Mayor, director of Gallery Silver Scapes, points out, art is often misunderstood as elitist, but its essence lies in the emotions it provokes. “Spend time with the artwork,” he advises. “Enquire about the artist and the nuances of their work.” Galleries are not just spaces for display but for dialogue—places where stories unfold through both art and conversation.

Embrace personal interpretation

Every viewer brings their own lens to an artwork. While artists may have a specific intention, they often welcome the multiplicity of interpretations their work inspires. “The way art resonates with a viewer is beyond the artist’s control—and often, they prefer it that way,” explains Sen.

Consider an abstract piece: its open-ended nature might evoke different emotions in different viewers, from nostalgia to unease. And that’s the beauty of art—it thrives on subjectivity. “It’s okay if your takeaway doesn’t align with the artist’s original intent,” Sen notes. “Art is a dialogue, not a monologue.”

Context matters

To deepen your engagement, explore the broader context of the artwork. Mayor suggests observing visual symbols or recurring motifs that hint at underlying themes, whether personal, historical, or political. Understanding movements like Impressionism or Cubism reveals how art responds to societal shifts, offering a lens into history. For instance, the Industrial Revolution shaped Impressionism’s focus on light and leisure, while Picasso’s fragmented Cubism reflected a world grappling with modernity.

Knowing the cultural significance of artists like Amrita Sher-Gil or M F Husain, who captured India’s evolving identity, adds another layer of meaning. As Sen explains, “Art is inherently a reflection of its era, shaped by the artist’s personal experiences and broader cultural shifts.”

Let the art move you

Above all, allow yourself to feel. “Art is meant to stir something inside you,” says Jain. Whether it’s joy, curiosity, or even discomfort, these emotions are integral to the experience. “In the end, it’s not just about seeing the art—it’s about connecting with it.”

Viewing art is a journey, not a checklist. By entering with openness, engaging with curiosity, and embracing your instincts, you create a personal dialogue with the artwork. As Sen aptly puts it, “A gallery space is designed to offer an experience. It’s a place to immerse yourself, broaden your horizons, and perhaps discover something about the artist—or even yourself.”

Lead image credit: Getty Images 

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