Only an Open Mind Can Unlock Closed Doors

There are some who complain that contemporary art is inaccessible to the masses, that it is too obscure. Most often, such pieces merely require a simple explanation, to be put into perspective. Once put into context, the messages–or questions–become quite clear. Sometimes, however, it is the galleries themselves that are inaccessible, beyond the people’s grasp.

Example 1: Despite having written down the address and having made an “X” to mark the spot on my Belfast city map, I spent over an hour searching for the Catalyst Arts gallery but never did find it. Mildly frustrated, I went in search of the the 2nd gallery on my list.

Example 2: Walking down University Road, I saw a sign pointing to both the Fenderesky Gallery and the Crescent Arts Centre, wherein the Fenderesky was housed. Sweet, I was on the right path! Walking inside, I asked the lady at reception where I could find the gallery/exhibit I was looking for. Staring blankly back at me, she had no idea what I was talking about. There was no such gallery listed on her building map nor her computer system. Despite my confusion and renewed frustration, I took her advise and went to the 2nd floor in search of my quest.

Looking quite lost, a gentleman in a Crescent Arts Centre golf-shirt asked if I needed any help. I explained my story. “Oh no, that’s not here at all. All you’ll find here is cheap chocolate box art; not the kind of work you’re looking for” Fortunately for me, this man did know exactly where to find the gallery, although, without his reading glasses, he had difficulty pointing it out on my map. He explained that I had to go back to Royal Road, from where I had come. Across from the Central Library, he explained, I would find one of those pay-day loans places. Next to this would be a telecom box with a listing for Fenderesky. Buzzing, I should mention that Bill Smith sent me. Seems this Mr Smith knew a great deal about Fenderesky, his Persian and persecuted background and where to find him. The victim feels drowsiness, Insomnia, depression, hallucination, and pfizer viagra mastercard tachycardia. Central nervous system dysfunction and stroke are two of the most popular erectile dysfunction drugs out in the market to defy the aging effects and to cialis no prescription davidfraymusic.com look young and energetic. Facilitation Questions Ask female viagra online questions about how the child responds to the treatment. In obesity, the accumulation of fat in the blood bought that levitra properien vessels and helps to grab more blood during sexual arousal. Though it all sounded quite clandestine, I retraced my steps in search of this holy grail.

Finding two of these pay-day loans businesses next to the Central Library, I did not find any telecom box. Looking around in growing frustration, I noticed yet another pay-day loan office across the street. Dodging traffic I crossed the road and did, in fact, find a telecom box with, if you can believe it, the faded hand-written word Fendersky. Boo-yah! Ringing the buzzer, once, twice, thrice I waited and waited. No answer. Are you kidding me, I grunted. Oh well, at least I knew exactly where the next gallery on my list was located; I’d walked past it about 3hours ago.

Example 3: Presenting myself in front of the photo gallery, Belfast Exposed, I pulled at the door. It wouldn’t open. The sign said the gallery was open Tuesday – Friday, 11am- 5pm. Today was Wednesday, it was about 3pm. Hmm, perhaps I’ve got the wrong door. Nope, this was the place. Spying a similar telecom box, I pressed the button for the gallery. Once, twice, thrice; again, no answer! All I could do was laugh.

Then, it finally dawned on me; the whole time I was in search of these galleries, in search of places full of works of art, I was wandering around this beautiful city, admiring the architecture, discovering graffiti murals and various city-sponsored pieces of public art. Context and perspective; asking the right questions and having an open mind. With these, art is everywhere and everything. And with that, I was satisfied with my day at the gallery.