The Red Rooms at the PMAG

 

I took some time this week to get reaquainted with the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.  Thinking back to my last visit, it was actually around my Foundation Year studies, pre-Covid.  There was a Picasso that he'd painted with his finger prints on display in the Art Gallery.  Since starting my studies I've travelled further afield to find Art... and here's this sitting literally in my home city! 

Walking through the gallery spaces I didn't realise just how nostalgic this could be.  I've been visiting this museum since I was a kid with my mum and little sister - but I always headed to the Natural History section to see the animals, and to the victorian section where they have a dolls house that, when I was small, was just magical. I'm sure it's been there forever, and sure enough - its still on display so I wasn't disappointed. 

Weirdly, as much as I loved drawing as a child, I don't remember visiting the Art Gallery until much later.  It's as if, despite Art being unlocked for everyone, we're still a bit scared to go into a quiet gallery.  We know that creativity is not a divine skill with exclusive access rights but we don't all realise that there's something in here for us all to tap into.

I find the writing about Art really interesting. As part of my placement I'd like to increase engagement by creating a zine that explains Art in a way that doesn't assume a basic understanding - of gallery etiquette, curation, history and context.  I feel zines offer a really effective way to engage a new audience. 

The Rodin sculpture itself is proudly curated at the entrance to the gallery.  It's a cracking greeting to introduce you to the collection.  I'm really hopeful that the placement proposal goes well so that I can spend more time here exploring the collection.