Art from a Distance

Artists have long explored feelings of isolation, loneliness, and the complex connotations of the term “home” in their work. In light of the coronavirus pandemic that is gripping the world, these works of art seem to take on a new meaning. Many of us are stuck at home or limited to digital or otherwise faraway interactions with loved ones. Our homes, typically sources of comfort, might suddenly feel less like a retreat.

This group of objects from the Samek Art Museum collection reminds us that feeling alone or cut off from the “real world” are certainly uncomfortable, but not new, feelings. We invite you to consider these artworks through the lens of your current experience and engage in some short activities inspired by them.

Art from a Distance Inspired Activities

Activity: Making Room for Art
Inspiration image:

Mel Bochner
Untitled, 1984
Silkscreen on paper
University Purchase
Samek Art Museum Collection, 1989.4.2
© Mel Bochner

Use masking tape, or similar, to create a general outline of the room in which you have spent the most time. Think about doorways, windows, hallways, and corners. If you don’t have tape, you can draw an outline.
Next, use paint, pastel, marker, pencil, or any other art material to doodle inside your “room”! Think about where in the room you spend the most time, and how you feel when you are in there. Are you pacing? Sitting quietly? Anxious to leave, or happy to be at home? Let your doodles express that!
You can remove the tape, or leave it there!

Activity: Finish the Story
Inspiration image:

Gregory Crewdson
Untitled, 1996
Chromogenic print on paper
University Purchase with Patron Trade or Sell Funds
Samek Art Museum Collection, 2008.9
© Gregory Crewdson

On a blank piece of lined paper, create a narrative about the image above or any of the artworks on the page.
Who lives here? What is happening outside the windows? What will you find on the other side of the fence?
Click on any of the images to enlarge them and check for any clues to help create your story.

Activity: A Collage of serenity
Inspiration image:

Thomas McKnight
Cold Springs Harbor, 1983
Silkscreen on paper
Gift of David H. Janda
Samek Art Museum Collection, 1994.3.4
© Thomas McKnight

What you need: Blank paper, magazines, old photos, markers, and a glue stick.
Take several deep breaths. Take a trip down memory lane, remembering any times that you felt ease, safe, or pleasant.
Cut out images that capture your attention and remind you of the memory or feeling of ease or pleasure from the magazines.
Pick images that you’re drawn to even if they don’t make sense or fit in with what you’re thinking.
Once you have a collection of images, arrange them to create an overall image or metaphor, which speaks to what it’s like to feel safe or at ease.

Activity: Checking in with art
Inspiration image:

Mel Bochner
Untitled, 1984
Silkscreen on paper
University Purchase
Samek Art Museum Collection, 1989.4.2
© Mel Bochner

What you need: blank paper of any size and drawing materials.
Close your eyes—Check-in with yourself and notice how anxiety feels in your body. Notice where in your body you feel anxiety and how you know it is anxiety.
Next, open your eyes, and pick a color of whatever drawing utensils you’re using. Close your eyes again and draw a continuous squiggle without lifting the utensil from the paper.
If your mind tends toward judgment or control, use your non-dominant hand. Now, look at the squiggle you made.
Using other colors or materials, develop the image. Then free-write for five minutes. You might write about the process of drawing your anxiety or the image.

Activity: Window to the World
Inspiration image:

Abelardo Morell
Camera Obscura Image of the Pantheon in the Hotel des Grands Hommes, 1999
gelatin silver print on paper
University Purchase with Patron Trade or Sell Funds
Samek Art Museum Collection, 2007.19.2
© Abelardo Morell

With many of us spending much more time than usual at home, we have become better acquainted with the views outside our windows! This activity is designed to make you look differently at that view, and imagine what else could be out there.

Select a window in your home, and, standing close enough to touch the glass, move around until you find a view you want to use for the base of your drawing.
Using dry erase markers or homemade window paint, trace over elements you can see outside: trees, the street, a pathway, whatever!
Feel free to add things you wish were there, or don’t include the things you don’t like! Maybe, like the image above, you imagine the Pantheon outside. Or maybe you wish to add loved ones you can’t see in person right now. Be creative!

Activity: Send a Message
Inspiration image:

Ralph Gibson
Letters in Window, 1968
Gelatin silver print on paper
Gift of Walter Matzner
Samek Art Museum Collection, 1984.28.11
© Ralph Gibson

Think of a message you want to send out into the world. It can be for your neighbors, yourself, loved ones far away, healthcare workers, or anyone else!
Write this message in big, block letters on paper (cardstock or construction paper works best). Feel free to add color or pattern to you letters.
Cut out the letters
Decide if you want the message to read correctly to you (inside) or to those outside. Remember, the letters will need to be reversed for it to read correctly outside!
Place them in your window. You can use tape, or simply rest them if they will stay put!

Below are some artworks from our collection for you to view.

Thomas McKnight
Kaminaki, 1983
Silkscreen on paper, limited edition
Gift of David H. Janda
Samek Art Museum Collection, 1994.3.4
© Thomas McKnight

Elliott Erwitt
Hand in Doorway, 1968
Gelatin silver print on paper
Gift of Mr. Robert Sutner
Samek Art Museum Collection, 1981.7.17
© Elliott Erwitt

David Seltzer
False Promise, 1989/1998
Gelatin silver print on paper
Gift of Raymond W. Merritt ’83
Samek Art Museum Collection, 2001.1.7
© David Seltzer

Gregory Crewdson
Untitled, 1996
Chromogenic print on paper
University Purchase with Patron Trade or Sell Funds
Samek Art Museum Collection, 2008.9
© Gregory Crewdson

Ralph Gibson
Letters in Window, 1968
Gelatin silver print on paper
Gift of Walter Matzner
Samek Art Museum Collection, 1984.28.11
© Ralph Gibson

Jared Bark
Untitled, 1981
Lithograph on paper
Gift of JP Morgan Chase through the Business Committee for the Arts, Inc.- Association of College and University Museums and Galleries
Samek Art Museum Collection, 2008.3
© Jared Bark

Depression and Suicide: Getting Help in a Crisis

Call 1−800−273−TALK (8255) to reach a 24−hour crisis center 1−800−273−TALK is the National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal icon, which provides free‚ confidential help to people in crisis. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationexternal icon runs this lifeline.
Call your mental health provider.
Get help from your primary doctor or other health care provider.
Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

Art from a Distance