Is It Really Out with the Old, In with the New?
As we journey through 2023, a palpable resurgence of younger attendance in museums is making itself known.
“Each trend carries its distinct style, story, and allure, seducing the art world with a sense of nostalgic charm. I’ve worked here [at OCMA] for several years now and I can safely note the apparent inundation by the youngins. It’s hard to say I’m convinced they never liked art before COVID-19 introduced itself but they show it now more than ever,” said Rob W., receptionist of the Orange County Museum of Art.
From sculptures to paintings, these revitalized trends harken back to bygone eras, transforming our contemporary galleries with touches of historical grace.
It’s also important to take note of how younger generations utilize artistic expression and appreciation to relieve themselves of something emotionally and mentally heavier than meets the eye. Spending time immersed in art may alleviate some tension, anxiety, and despair.
Tran Flores, long-time attendee of LACMA and The Broad in Los Angeles, highlights the significance of what art was for him.
“Making art and expressing my feelings through that can help manage some of my symptoms and improve the development of healthy coping mechanisms and creative techniques. It’s been really useful coming out of the pandemic and having to relearn how to stabilize myself through that,” Flores said.
Sara Nolan, LBSU Studio Art major, shares some insight on how showing up for artists also meant showing up for herself. It’s become a stepping stone for her to be able to convey what’s on her mind by vicariously living through people that share the same interest(s).
“When museums started opening back up, I jumped at the opportunity. I never thought to attend a showcase or anything like that before but when I noticed how much it helped me get out of my head, I took advantage of every chance I could,” Nolan said. “Even if there wasn’t anything else on my mind, I’d go for fun with my friends or alone.”
Sometimes, it isn’t quite apparent as to whether or not the younger generations have always had an inventive agenda on their mind when it came down to admiring the art that surrounds them. It’s become an opportunity to tie in nostalgia as they see fit.
“Children's open-ended play with art stimulates their senses and helps them develop their cognitive, social-emotional, and multisensory abilities. Children's brain growth, mastery, self-esteem, and creativity are all further enhanced by art as they grow into primary school and beyond. When you strip that away, the more colorful way of growing up becomes quite lackluster,” Maya Santos, museum connoisseur and loyal MOLAA-goer, said.
“When I was in first grade, I remember coming to MOLAA, LACMA, and the Natural History Museum of LA. It was an extravagant experience for me that I carry every time I visit an exhibit. I can’t shake that feeling because nothing ever compares,” Santos added.
She also stated that she doesn’t believe Gen Z never had the interest, but more so lacked the ability to comfortably express that amongst each other, which is possibly why they go to museums with friends or classmates.
It seems as though the trend that lies beneath the younger population going to museums is a little deeper than what someone might initially think. The aesthetic and the photo-ops are present, but something else is the driving force that paves the way for them. Having dealt with numerous traumatic events together and using museum attendance as a way of subconsciously appreciating the vessels of art are what ultimately give their uprising more value.
Galleries and museums offer a glimpse into human history. Furthermore, even if no museum can truly offer a full picture, the lessons we may draw from historical wonders, tragedies, and catastrophes are priceless. This is particularly valid during turbulent times.
However, there's a compelling argument to be made that the museum is more important now than it has ever been. They have the ability to both reflect and influence our society, as it can tackle important societal issues and change our perception of the future. The growing hostilities between countries, political parties, and other cultural groups are becoming inevitable in today's world. It appears that differences over class, racism, gender, and environmentalism are widening rather than coming to a consensus.
Many people think that museums can help the public re-establish this common ground and learn to build bridges rather than foster division by providing perspective, whether it be through intellectual exercises or just by pointing to historical mistakes as examples of where such behavior will lead us again.