Sienna Van Rossum, an artist and PhD candidate at Queensland College of Art and Design, shares her passion for 'slow looking.' She discusses how this practice emerged in galleries to deepen connections with art and how it can be applied to everyday life. Sienna highlights the overwhelming nature of modern visual consumption and offers practical strategies for intentional observation, encouraging listeners to engage meaningfully with their surroundings and appreciate the little moments often overlooked in today’s fast-paced world.
Slow looking cultivates deeper engagement with surroundings, enabling individuals to appreciate complex details often overlooked in our fast-paced life.
Intentional visual engagement is essential in today's digital age, allowing people to reclaim agency over their experiences amid overwhelming social media stimuli.
Deep dives
The Concept of Slow Looking
Slow looking encourages individuals to engage more deeply with their surroundings by taking time to appreciate details rather than merely skimming the surface. This practice originated in art galleries but has vast applications in daily life, especially amid the overwhelming visual stimuli present today. It involves returning to an object repeatedly, fostering persistence in observation, which helps individuals see complexities and nuances that might otherwise be missed. By employing techniques such as naming characteristics of an object, one can shift into a more critical and creative mindset, enhancing overall awareness and experience.
Navigating the Digital World with Intentionality
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, intentionality in visual engagement is crucial due to the pervasive influence of social media algorithms that dictate what we see. Individuals are encouraged to consciously choose where to direct their attention, whether it involves observing nature or interacting meaningfully with loved ones. This act of slowing down not only allows for a more profound appreciation of one's environment but also empowers individuals to reclaim agency over their visual experiences. Moreover, promoting a cultural shift towards practices like slow looking can enhance collective awareness and foster healthier relationships with images in our lives.