Connecting the beholder with the artwork: Thoughts on gaining liveliness by the usage of paraphernalia

When we attend sculptures in museums, they might fascinate us due to the mastery of the material, the inherent dynamics of body language or due to contrapposto or the sheer size of some of these statues such as Michelangelo's David. What is less convincing, however, is the life-alikeness of the face. Actually, most visitors experience dead faces, dead eyes, and static expressions. By merely adding paraphernalia to a face (e.g., a facemask or sunglasses), such unalive sculptures gain vividness and liveliness. This striking effect is demonstrated by applying a facemask and sunglasses to a sculpture on public display in Bamberg, but it can easily be demonstrated on any available sculpture. This simple method might help connect people with sculptures or artworks, in general, to lower the barrier between the beholder and artwork and increase their interaction.

Automated summary

When visiting sculptures in museums, we are often fascinated by the skillful use of materials, the dynamic body language, or the impressiveness of the statues' size, like Michelangelo's David. However, the lifelike quality of the faces is less convincing. Most visitors find them expressionless and lacking vitality. By adding accessories like facemasks or sunglasses, these lifeless sculptures can become more vivid and animated. This effect is demonstrated by applying a facemask and sunglasses to a sculpture in Bamberg, but it can be observed in any available sculpture. This simple method can help bridge the gap between viewers and sculptures, enhancing interaction and engagement.