Exploring the Meaning of Art with Bianca Bosker
Art has always held a special place in the human experience. From ancient cave paintings to modern masterpieces, art has the power to move us, to inspire us, and to challenge our perceptions. In her book “Get the Picture,” journalist Bianca Bosker delves deep into the world of art, seeking to understand what makes art valuable and how it impacts our lives.
A Journey into the Art World
Bosker’s quest begins with a desire to develop an “eye” for art, the ability to discern between good and bad art. To achieve this, she immerses herself in the art world, a secretive and exclusive community. Through her experiences as a gallery assistant, art-fair seller, studio helper, and museum security guard, Bosker gains unique insights into the inner workings of the art industry.
What she discovers is not always pretty. The art world can be elitist, excluding those who cannot afford art school or the luxury of creating vanity projects. Many artists struggle to make ends meet and eventually succumb to burnout. There is also a culture of top-down bullying that permeates the industry. However, Bosker’s determination and willingness to suffer fools lead her to uncover the fundamental joy that art can bring to both creators and viewers.
The Meaning of Art
While Bosker’s adventures in the art world provide entertainment and humor, it takes some time for the book to delve into the deeper meaning of art. Bosker turns to science to shed light on why humans have an innate compulsion to create and appreciate art. Some experts theorize that prehistoric humans painted on cave walls to showcase their skills and potential fitness as mates. Others argue that art played a crucial role in binding communities together for survival.
In the modern world, art’s utility has expanded. Bosker introduces readers to the field of neuroaesthetics, which applies neuroscience to study the perception of art. Research has shown that our brains have a “filter of expectation” that distorts the raw data stream of light hitting our eyes. This filter allows us to take mental shortcuts and overlook certain visual details. Art, according to Bosker, has the power to remove this filter and allow us to see the world with renewed wonder.
Art also has therapeutic qualities. Doctors prescribe visits to art museums and the presence of wall art to patients as a form of therapy. The act of removing the filter of expectation can also benefit doctors themselves. Medical schools now require students to study paintings to improve their visual literacy skills, leading to more holistic physical examinations and better recognition of human facial expressions.
Bianca Bosker: The Narrator and Friend
One of the most captivating aspects of “Get the Picture” is Bosker herself. As the narrator, she guides readers through her journey of understanding art’s function. Bosker is witty, self-deprecating, and unafraid to call out snobbery in the art world. She describes the air in galleries as filled with pretension, comparing it to an unacknowledged fart. Through her storytelling, Bosker becomes not just a journalist but also a friend to the reader.
In the end, Bosker doesn’t provide a definitive answer to why humans are drawn to art. Instead, she offers her own interpretation: art is a way to find beauty and enhance our appreciation for life. By debunking the idea of an infallible “eye,” Bosker argues that art is everywhere and can take any form, as long as we remain open to being moved by what we see. “Get the Picture” leaves readers with a renewed sense of wonder and a desire to revisit artworks with fresh eyes.
In “Get the Picture,” Bianca Bosker takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of art. Through her experiences and research, she explores the meaning of art, its impact on our lives, and its ability to inspire and challenge us. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or someone curious about the power of creativity, “Get the Picture” offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the art world.
