Nocturne was great, but as I trudged up Spring Garden Road on my way home, I found myself speculating on how no one has any fucking manners in galleries.
I’m no gallery snob, by any means, but when people run into you, step on you, or shut the door on you, I think it’s time to think about your gallery etiquette. Not to mention all the people who just go to hang out at the food tables and pig the fuck out all night. My friend and I even overheard a woman glance at a painting and say, in a much louder tone than necessary, “This HAS to be a joke,” while the artist was clearly standing right behind her.
Am I the only one who was so irritated by these barbaric humans at Nocturne?!
—Uncultured Culture
This article appears in Oct 15-21, 2009.
Gallery etiquette is no different from etiquette, and these barbaric humans exist beyond Nocturne. With that in mind… their barbarisms have nothing to do with the fact that they disrespect artists and the art by making their opinion known, or eating food, rather than viewing art. Some art is bad, and if your stomach finds the food more appetizing than the art, then by all means, eat! If someone makes their opinion on your (or others) work, then take it. This is the only time and space you will receive an honest response to your work, so thank the barbarians for their insight.
Or maybe you are just as judgmental as everyone else… Either way, deal with it.
Dear, expatriot
Did you read the Coast this week?
I was annoyed at seeing some little kids pawing at Graeme Patterson’s installation at the AGNS, which was a model of a gymnasium. No parental supervision. If I can’t play with it, neither can your brats 😛
what about everyday etiquette? I hold open doors for people everyday, and I hardly ever get a thank-you. People walk down the street with their face in their blackberries, and almost run me over because they are too busy texting. In fact while boarding a metro bus while on my way to the event, I witnessed 30 rude people shoving themselves into the bus, without giving the passengers on the bus a chance to get off!!! I don’t think this is any different than anything that happens on your average day….its just all condensed in this situation. Its not just art snobs that are rude, it takes all kinds.
Oh, and as for the lady making a “rude” statement…its allowed! Once you put your art up for all to see, its expected, and even welcome that people comment on your work however they see fit. That is why its hanging there in the first place…people are entitled to their opinions no matter how harsh they are. Its all fair game in my opinion.
I agree with BreeC. The art is there to promote a response, all opinions necessary.
expatriot, congratulations on your ignorance!
OP, you get any large crowd of people together and you’re going to have a healthy percentage that are lacking in social graces. Unfortunately, there are certain people to whom etiquette is a foreign word. I don’t necessarily think that criticizing publicly-displayed art is rude though, although I do think if you have something to say about someone’s art, you should aim for constructive rather than insulting.
Mole Rat, I agree, there were a few people at the AGNS whose hands I wanted to smack. I wish people and their rugrats would avoid places like galleries unless they know how to behave properly.
If an artist is too sensitive to hear public reaction to their work they shouldn’t be standing beside it.
Shit, I remember going to the AGNS back in grade 5 and we were TOLD before we got on the bus that we were NOT to touch ANYTHING because the oil in our hands can damage the paintings. Simple enough — I don’t recall one person getting in trouble for touching the art *shrug*
Maybe the kids were never told to not fuck with the art?