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Slow Art Day – April 15, 2023

Slow Art Day, which takes place on April 15 this year, has given rise to the “slow art” movement — an idea that encourages people to take a longer time to look at pieces of art. Are you wondering what this means? Imagine entering an art gallery and walking by dozens of artwork. How much time do you spend looking at one painting or sculpture? Research says the museumgoer spends an average of 30 seconds looking at a piece of art. Slow Art Day encourages people to look at art more patiently, and thus appreciate it more deeply. Art is supposed to be slowly assessed and cherished. This year, visit a museum on Slow Art Day and try to look at art from a different perspective.

History of Slow Art Day

Art has existed in this world for centuries. Unfortunately, the meaning and importance of art have slowly declined over the years. Especially in this day and age, people would rush through an artwork without truly understanding the meaning behind it. The “slow art” movement was formed to encourage everyone to look at artwork a little longer, to connect better with the emotions behind it. The idea is to explore every single sculpture and painting by looking at it from different angles, and then discussing different interpretations of it.

The “slow art” movement was founded by Phil Terry in 2008 when he spent hours at the Jewish Museum in New York. Those hours were not spent looking at all the exhibits in the museum. Terry just witnessed two abstract paintings and spent a long time analyzing them. He aimed to figure out what happens if art is looked at carefully. This is when he discovered that the more time he spent with the painting, the more ideas and interpretations entered his brain. This experiment further grew, and by 2009, 16 museums initiated an official Slow Art Day. On the day of the event, visitors signed up to view five artworks with a volunteer host and spent 10 minutes with each piece. Later on, they were invited to lunch to discuss the entire experience. Today, over 1,500 museums and galleries celebrate Slow Art Day. The global event was founded in 2010.

Slow Art Day timeline

3000 B.C. — 2500 B.C.
Rock Art

Art exists in the form of cave paintings during the Stone Age.

3500 B.C. — 539 B.C.
The War Heroes

Mesopotamian art emerges, where warrior art and narrations are made on stone.

1780 — 1850
Getting Romantic

The Romanticism art period begins.

1869 — 1885
Nature Glows

The Impressionism art period that focuses on capturing natural light begins.

Slow Art Day FAQs

What is the “slow art” movement?

The movement is all about consciously savoring artworks rather than simply gulping down each art piece as ‘eye candy.’

When is National Art Day?

October 25 is National Art Day.

Which day is Craft Day?

Every year, Craft Day is celebrated on March 1.

Slow Art Day Activities

  1. Visit a museum

    To celebrate the day, visit an art museum or gallery that you previously visited. But this time, look at each work of art more patiently, keeping the slow art movement in mind. End the visit by discussing the artwork with someone.

  2. Introduce the holiday to people

    Post about the holiday online, make a video, or host a webinar. Do all you can to increase awareness about the slow art movement and why it is necessary to analyze artwork.

  3. View paintings and artwork online

    Don’t have the time or money to go to museums and art galleries on this day? Well, make google your best friends and view some great works of art online. Just make sure you spend at least 10 minutes analyzing any piece you look at.

5 Fascinating Facts About Art

  1. The games of art

    In 1912, art was a part of the Olympics.

  2. Making art with tea bags

    Andy Brown stitched together 1,000 used tea bags to create a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

  3. Detachable heads

    Roman Statues were made with detachable heads that could be replaced.

  4. Picasso’s drawing skills

    He learned to draw before he could walk.

  5. Love letters to Monalisa

    Monalisa has her own mailbox in the Louver because she receives so many flowers, poems, and love notes.

Why We Love Slow Art Day

  1. It makes one appreciate art

    Art is not just an amalgamation of colors or a pretty sculpture. In the past, different forms of art have been used to encourage people to revolt against society. We love this day because it exposes what art is really about.

  2. It enlightens people

    Art serves the purpose of enlightening people by introducing them to different aspects of the society we live in. but the real interpretation of art is often lost when people don't understand it. This day is important as it teaches people to study art.

  3. It increases knowledge

    Since the day encourages people to analyze art and hold discussions regarding its true meaning, people who participate in the exercise gain knowledge. It also increases the love and respect for art.

Slow Art Day dates

YearDateDay
2022April 2Saturday
2023April 15Saturday
2024April 13Saturday
2025April 12Saturday
2026April 11Saturday

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