The author visited the Institute of Contemporary Art twice, once with friends and once alone. When with friends, they were able to discuss the artwork and gain different perspectives. When alone, the author was able to focus more on individual pieces. The author found that both social and solitary viewing provided unique benefits to understanding and interpreting the artwork.

1. ICA Photo Essay
Marwa Kowalski

2. Introduction
I visited the Institute of Contemporary Art twice, once with a group of friends and another time alone.
My experience at the museum differed because of this. When I first went with friends, we were able to
converse about our experiences and react to the body of work together. Our taste in art varied, which
allowed me personally to spend more time on particular paintings that I would have otherwise not have
spent as much time on. I believe this was very beneficial to me as the spectator, and it made me
recognize that certain styles and subject matter can be seen from so many varying perspectives. It was
interesting too that the film Easternsports by Alex Da Corte and Jayson Musson explored the concept of
perception. The film is displayed on 4 different projections and the spectator views the films, which
surround them. Depending on the direction the spectator faces will determine what they experience in
the film. Reflecting on my experience at the ICA when going with the group, I can draw parallels from
the film viewing to that of my groups viewing of the entire museum. This is because everyone has a
different perspective that is unique and relative to him or her selves. When I visited the ICA the second
time, I was able to focus in on my own perspective and also eaves drop on strangers who were exploring
the museum. It was interesting to see to body of work a second time around. Certain painting stuck
out to me more than on the previous visit. I am not quite sure why, but I think because I was alone, I
was able to really zone in on some of the artwork with out any distractions. I believe it is beneficial to
the view to both experience the work for themselves on a personal level, but to also reflect with others
to gain a wider understanding of various interpretations and reactions to the work.

3. Guy Reading the Stranger
2012 Oil Painting
I really enjoyed this oil painting
because I liked the techniques
that the artist used. Albert
Camus’ book The Stranger tackled
similar themes of perspective in
the way that I had viewed the
exhibit. He explores the
philosophy that emotions are
relative to the individual, which is
part of the reason I found this
painting so striking. I enjoyed
that beyond the aesthetics of the
painting, I could get a deeper
meaning from the piece.

4. Winter Solstice 2013
Dinner Party 2009 Oil
Painting
This painting intrigued me
because each subject in the
painting is painted in a different
style. Some of the people are
more realistic and others more
abstract. To me this symbolized
the broad variety of personalities
featured and perhaps also a
reflection of how the individual
can view themselves and others.
I enjoyed that the painting told a
story and also that is brought me
to ask questions about the
individuals in the painting.

5. Fantasy Land
1998-1999 Water Color
I found this whole wall of various
artwork very interesting. I liked
how it it was displayed because it
gave a feeling of abundance.. The
particular picture to the right
stuck out to me. I thought about
how it might be a commentary on
the audience because there are
people watching as the women
decapitates someone. It is a very
powerful image yet it makes me
wonder how the artist views the
spectators of her work.

6. Untitled
2012 2 Color Lithograph
This lithograph is interesting to
me because the are two subjects
but they are kissing and it makes
it look like there is a third face. I
found this very interesting
because it reminds me that
collaborating in any such was,
creates a new perspective.

7. Raging Brook Farm
2004 Ink on Paper
This was a nice alternative
because there were not too many
ink drawings featured in the body
of work. I enjoyed exploring how
many different activities the
women were doing. I thought it
was interesting that there were
no men in the picture and that
the women all seemed very free
and content.

8. Mining I
2005 Oil Painting
This was one of my favorite pieces. I
love the use of color and I thought it
was not only done technique well, but
I loved the subject matter. I thought it
was unique to have a bunch of nude
women mining through the heap of
color. It was very similar in style to
Raging Brook Farm, however I think
the use of color really made it stand
out.

9. The Triumph of Poverty
2009 Oil Painting
There are so many different
stories being told here. It is a
very unique and quirky piece and
it causes many questions to arise.
I think it makes a very interesting
statement on the persistence and
“triumph” of the lower class. I
found it interesting that different
styles of painting are used for
different people in the painting.