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Common art exhibition rules and why you should obey them
Whether you're a seasoned art lover or a beginner, do remember that there are rules and etiquette when visiting art exhibitions. Here they are.
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Dots Obsession (2009) by Yayoi Kusama (Illustration) (JP/File)
T
he rise of visitors to local art exhibitions has been a positive thing for the art world, but it also has its downsides, as many art lovers have complained about those who disregard museum rules. KompasTravel has compiled a list of rules that are often applied in art exhibitions and explained why you should obey them:
Keep your hands off the artworks
Unless it’s an interactive art exhibition where you can touch and feel the artwork, you had better keep your hands off the artist’s work. Several art galleries don’t apply a border line between the artworks and visitors, but this does not mean visitors can touch the artworks. Moisture and bacteria from your fingers could ruin the artwork.
Leave your selfie stick at home
Major art galleries and exhibitions around the world don’t allow their visitors to bring selfie sticks. While it is tempting to take selfies with famous artworks, refrain from using selfie sticks as it may damage the artworks and disturb other visitors.
Read also: Rabbit Town, ‘selfie culture’ versus awareness of art
No flash
The flash from your camera is strictly banned in art exhibitions. Overexposure of lights may damage artworks as it may change their colors.
Be considerate of others when taking photos
Taking selfies is allowed in museums, however, don’t hog an artwork as a background for your selfie for a long time. Be aware that there are other people who also want to enjoy the artwork. Several museums have even set a time limit for those who want to take a picture with an artwork.
No professional camera allowed
Some art exhibitions ban visitors from taking pictures using professional cameras, especially in painting exhibitions as this puts the artworks at risk of being duplicated.
No food and drinks in the art space
Bringing food and drinks into the exhibition space will disturb others, and will also put the artworks at risk. Have a nice meal before you go to an art exhibition, and enjoy the artworks comfortably afterward.
Take note of age limitations
Some art exhibitions have strict age restrictions, with security and comfort in mind. Be considerate to other visitors by complying with this rule.
Read also: Art 'damaged' at interactive exhibit at Museum Macan
Artworks are not only for selfie backgrounds
Art exhibitions are held to educate the public about artworks. Each of the artworks displayed has its own story and meaning that the artist has tried to convey. Try to read the information about the artwork, observe and attempt to understand the correlation between the artwork's form and its meaning. For those who upload photos of artworks to social media, do not forget to always credit the artists, as a form of appreciation. (asw)
