In 1945 Pierre Bonnard wrote a letter to the young painter Jocelyne Seguin, in which he proclaimed, “the painting will not exist if the viewer does not do half the work.”

Research shows that on average visitors spend between 8 – 30 seconds looking at a work of art. How does our experience of art change if we slow down and spend an extended period of time contemplating one work? What details will we notice, and how might our perception of the work change?

Drawing on visual sensibilities, imagination and personal reflections, art historian and educator Dr Olivia Meehan guides participants through observation and slow looking techniques, set amongst the iridescent paintings of Bonnard and India Mahdavi’s immersive design.

Taking place before the gallery opens, this intimate Slow Looking session provides participants with exclusive access to experience the 2023 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition Pierre Bonnard: Designed by India Mahdavi before hours and to connect with the art of Bonnard in a new way.

Suitable for all ages. No prior knowledge required.

Participants may wish to bring a pencil and paper to take notes during the session.

Facilitator  

Dr Olivia Meehan is an art historian who makes connections between art, literature, nature and gardens across continents and through centuries. Dr Meehan is the Object-based Learning Coordinator in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne.