© Ajamu Ikwe-Tyehimba. All rights reserved, DACS 2024
I always read the gallery commentary before focusing on the actual art in an exhibition, in case I misinterpret what I am seeing. How can I be more confident as an observer?
Dear ‘I want to be more confident’,
I don’t think there is anything wrong with ‘misinterpreting’ art, because all art should be able to be read in more than one way. What the artist meant and what the audience sees don’t always match up. Commentary is helpful if you don’t know much about the artist, the medium or the ideas. It lets you into the world of the artist. But, as a viewer, I think it’s more important to be aware of what you bring to a piece of art. First, think about what the picture makes you feel, not what you think it means. Getting more confident is a process, not a destination.
Mx Mavis
My friend is an art enthusiast and I’d like to know more, but I feel a bit like it’s his thing and I don’t want to step on his toes – he can be quite jealous. Should I go for it anyway or leave it to the experts?
Dear ‘Jealous lover’,
As far I know, no one has ever died from having their toes stepped on. In fact, I saw (on TikTok) that some people even enjoy it. In any case, if your art-loving friend is jealous, let them work on their own stuff. You shouldn’t let this stop you from giving something a go, because experts don’t always know everything. If it is really bothering you, don’t be afraid to talk to them about it. Art of all kinds should be fun, and nothing should stop you. Go for it!
Mx Mavis
I keep taking my kids to art galleries in the hope that they will show some interest. But nothing is sticking. Should I be pushing my kids towards culture, or do I take a step back and hope it comes naturally?
Dear ‘Kidding yourself’,
I think many things stick with children in ways you might not even notice. Saying that, I don’t think you should make them go to galleries, because these visits might be more about you. If you must, many galleries have events aimed at kids, so take them to those instead. These can be much more engaging, creative and immersive for them.
Mx Mavis
I really enjoy going to art shows, but I hardly have any free time. How can I stay creatively satisified while juggling the 9–to–5?
Dear ‘I Can’t Get No Satisfaction’,
You know the song by the Rolling Stones, right? It’s no surprise that working from 9 to 5 makes it hard for you to be creative. I’m sure this affects other parts of your life as well, if you get my point… Anyway, you might want to make it a goal not to work on the weekends. Find yourself an accountability partner (very modern, I know) and promise to do something artistic for at least an hour on your days off. I was in my godson’s photography studio when Slow Productivity by Cal Newport fell out of his tote bag by mistake. You might find it useful.
Mx Mavis
I’m so bombarded with other people’s creativity, especially online, that I’m finding it hard to come up with anything original. How can I make work that feels true to myself?
Dear ‘Under the influence’,
Lack of originality is probably the number one fear each artist faces. But all artists are influenced by other artists. The deeper question is whose version of originality you are buying into. Instead of stressing yourself out over originality, perhaps you should focus on the following: Are you making work that excites you? Are you paying attention to your own unique process and production values? When you inhabit your work, ideas, emotions, feelings, politics and philosophy, you will see and hear your own voice. Maybe this is what originality truly is.
Mx Mavis
My crush has invited me to a gallery for a first date. I don’t want to make a bad impression, but I don’t know much about art and I’m finding the prospect intimidating. Any advice?
Dear ‘Intimidated’,
I really want my crush to take me on a date. A gallery would be great, but I’d be happy with a neighbourhood chippy (some Northern chippies are better than some London galleries!). In any case, you don’t need to understand every piece of art in the gallery. Few people do. If you are still feeling nervous (remember your crush probably is too), find out where they are taking you and do a little research ahead of time. Bring what you know about art and remember that the most important thing is the time you spend together. Have fun and be yourself.
Mx Mavis
Do you have a problem that only Pipilotti Rist can solve? Send us an email at tate.etc@tate.org.uk
Mx Mavis is Ajamu X, an artist, curator, archivist and activist who lives in London. Sometimes referred to as the Patron Saint of Darkrooms, he became an honorary fellow of the Royal Photographic Society in 2022.
