Throughout my experience exhibiting my works, I’ve noticed that people who purchase artworks tend to make decisions rather quickly and rarely read the explanatory text. This has made me wonder: does this mean that the viewers can intuitively understand the background or concept of the work just by looking at it?
Recently, I came across a passage in a book titled “(Humans Shed Their Skin Every Seven Years: Predicting the Near Future with Neuroscience *written in Japanese)”, which gave me a new perspective and made me think, “That’s it!” Here’s the passage:
Even when something is tangible (alive), “existence” only manifests when it is perceived through another’s brain (senses). If that’s the case, then even without a tangible form, as long as it evokes a presence or feeling in someone’s mind, it is no different from truly existing. Whether tangible or not, the waves of existence that provoke neural signals in another’s brain are something humanity has long referred to as a “soul” or “spirit.” Artists create their works by expressing these waves induced in their neural circuits. Those with similar neural circuit structures to the artist are stimulated by the work, generating similar brainwaves. The idea of a soul imbued in a work of art, or sensing the soul in a piece, might stem from this phenomenon.
This made me think: perhaps people with brains similar to the artist’s can intuitively grasp the concept of the work just by looking at it. Those with similar tastes, preferences, or life experiences to the creator might be able to understand the piece instinctively.
If that’s the case, then art exhibitions are an opportunity to encounter people who have similar brains to the artist. Thinking this way makes me look forward to holding exhibitions even more.
That said, in contemporary art, explaining the concept behind a work is still very important. Especially in Japan, it’s generally expected that the artist will be present at the gallery to directly explain their work during exhibitions.
Moreover, some say that artworks sell more easily when the artist is present at the venue. However, I feel that this idea lacks solid evidence since I’ve never seen statistical data to support it.
In overseas exhibitions, artists are usually only present at the opening party and are not required to be at the venue on other days. (Of course, you can stay if you want to, but it doesn’t seem to matter either way.)
I’ve always been puzzled by this cultural difference, but now I think I can enjoy being at the exhibition venue by viewing it as an opportunity to meet people with similar brains to mine.
