For its second Slow Art Day, the Denver Art Museum in Denver, Colorado, offered both self-guided viewing and structured, docent-led discussions, inviting guests to explore three artworks.
Elaine de Kooning, Bullfight, 1959. Oil paint on canvas; 77 5/8 x 130 1/4 in. El Anatsui, Ghanaian, Rain Has No Father?, 2008. Installation. Found bottle tops and copper wire.Artist Unknown, Garden Party on the Terrace of a Country Home, about 1720-1730, Mexico. Folding screen, painted oil paint on canvas with gold.
Visitors were encouraged to spend 5–10 minutes individually observing each featured artwork, immersing themselves in a thoughtful, quiet exploration. Throughout the day, docents led engaging discussions every half hour, helping participants articulate their observations and uncover deeper meanings within the art.
The expressionism of Elaine de Kooning’s “Bullfight,” the textures of El Anatsui’s “Rain Has No Father,” and the narrative depicted in the 18th-century piece “Garden Party” sparked conversations and personal reflections among attendees. We recommend you check out the additional videos on the museum’s website showcasing El Anatsui’s installation and process.
You may view or download the handout for the event below:
