This Google exhibition is inspired by Slow Art Day 2020. Each year people all over the world visit local museums and galleries on Slow Art Day to look at art slowly. Participants are challenged to look at five works of art for 10 minutes each and then meet to talk about their experience. We invite you to take this challenge virtually with a friend or family member. Observe the artworks, think about the questions, and share your responses.
Yantra of Jambudvipa: A Map of the Known Universe (ca. 1725)Cincinnati Art Museum
Title: Yantra of Jambudvipa: A Map of the Known Universe
Date Created: ca. 1725
Location: Rajasthan, India (Bikaner School)
What do you see depicted in this universe? What are you not able to identify?
Can you draw a map of what your universe looks like right now?
How does this map of the known universe in the Jain religion in 1725 compare to what we think in the 21st century?
(Use your cursor to zoom in and out of the image. Click on the object in the bottom left-hand corner for more details.)
Palace Veranda Post (Circa 1890 - 1910) by Agunna (Nigerian, d.1930)Cincinnati Art Museum
Title: Palace Veranda Post
Creator: Agunna (Nigerian, d.1930)
Date Created: Circa 1890 - 1910
Location: Nigeria
List all the figures you see. How do you think they relate to one another?
This piece is made up of interesting geometric shapes and patterns. Look closely at the techniques used to make these forms. Draw your favorite pattern or shape you see.
What does this piece say about gender roles in the Yoruba culture of Southwestern Nigeria?
(Use your cursor to zoom in and out of the image. Click on the object in the bottom left-hand corner for more details.)
Studio of Robert F. Blum (1883 - 1884) by Robert Frederick Blum (American, b.1857, d.1903)Cincinnati Art Museum
Title: Studio of Robert F. Blum
Creator: Robert Frederick Blum (American, b.1857, d.1903)
Date Created: 1883 - 1884
What do you see? Make a list of all the items you can identify in this artwork.
What do these items say about the artist?
Imagine you are in this scene. What will happen next?
This work is done in pastel, not paint. Do you think that the choice of medium changes the feeling or atmosphere in the artwork?
(Use your cursor to zoom in and out of the image. Click on the object in the bottom left-hand corner for more details.)
The Public Promenade (La Promenade Publique) (1792) by Philibert Debucourt (French, b.1755, d.1832)Cincinnati Art Museum
Title: The Public Promenade (La Promenade Publique)
Creator: Philibert Debucourt (French, b.1755, d.1832)
Date Created: 1792
Location Created: France
What is going on in this artwork? Describe what you think is happening.
What conversations are being had? Focus on a group and write down what they might be saying to each other.
Look closely at the faces, how would you describe them? Use a sketch pad to write down or draw some of the different expressions shown.
(Use your cursor to zoom in and out of the image. Click on the object in the bottom left-hand corner for more details.)
Wigs (Portfolio) (1994) by Lorna Simpson, printmakerCincinnati Art Museum
Title: Wigs (Portfolio)
Creator: Lorna Simpson (American, b.1960), printmaker
Date Created: 1994
How does this piece tie into identity?
Think about a time when you got a great haircut, how did that change your feeling or identity in that moment? How might a bad haircut affect you?
Which of these wigs would you like to don?
The texts presented with this artwork are not descriptive, but some allude to slavery, entertainment, and drag. How does this and the presentation of the art affect your perspective?
(Use your cursor to zoom in and out of the image. Click on the object in the bottom left-hand corner for more details.)
Written by Sara Birkofer, Manager of Accessibility & Gallery Programming
Created by Rachel Ellison, Administrative Assistant for Learning & Interpretation
Special thanks to:
Keith Gollar, Digital Content Manager
Rob Deslongchamps, Head of Photographic Services
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