Episode 126

Slow looking at the Van Gogh Museum

Today, in a special BONUS episode for Slow Art Day, I’m talking to Harma van Uffelen.

Harma works as a curator of education for the Van Gogh Museum where they have just created a brand new slow looking programme and a slow looking experience for the Matthew Wong exhibition. 

Listen in to hear:

  • How the programme started and why they chose the Matthew Wong exhibition
  • Techniques for engaging participants, including a deep dive into one of Wong's artworks
  • Considerations in programme design: ensuring comfort, choosing artworks, and managing duration
  • Designing a slow looking programme in a busy museum (hint: it can be done!)
  • "In Silence with Matthew Wong": silent slow looking experience with one artwork
  • Reflections on the pilot programme and future plans

If you’ve ever thought about designing and facilitating slow looking programmes in your museum, you will learn a lot from this episode!

Episode Links:

Matthew Wong, The Realm of Appearances, 2018, 

https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/about/news-and-press/press-image-bank/images-matthew-wong/the-realm-of-appearances

Matthew Wong exhibition at the Van Gogh Museum

https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/visit/whats-on/exhibitions/matthew-wong-vincent-van-gogh

Slow Looking Programme at the Van Gogh Museum

https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/nl/bezoek/agenda-en-activiteiten/rondleidingen/matthew-wong-vincent-van-gogh

Open up with Vincent

https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/en/about/organisation/inclusion-and-accessibility-policy/open-up-with-vincent#collaborations

Harma van Uffelen on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/harma-van-uffelen-4b50b721/

H.vanUffelen@vangoghmuseum.nl

The Art Engager Links:

Sign up for my Curated newsletter - a fortnightly dose of cultural inspiration

Join the Slow Looking Club Community

Support the show here https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clairebown

Download my free resources: 

How to look at art (slowly)- 30+ different ways to look at art or objects in the museum


Slow Art Guide - six simple steps to guide you through the process of slow looking


Ultimate Thinking Routine List - 120 thinking routines in one place


If you have any suggestions, questions or feedback, get in touch with the show!

About the Podcast

Show artwork for The Art Engager
The Art Engager
Master the art of meaningful engagement in museums and cultural spaces

About your host