X Marks The Spot - treasures in the gallery

These instructions are designed to wake your body and mind up to the beauty and power in this thing we call Art by taking you out into your artistic community.

They should activate your feelings for artwork, as well kindle as a sense of discernment. Hopefully, deeper engagement in gallery spaces will result in you (1) feeling more confident in your responses and opinions and (2) refining your sense of personal taste.

It’s okay to like what you like. It can be even better when you know why.

If there’s no art museum where you live or you can’t travel to one easily, see if there’s an exhibition at your local Arts Centre. You could also do this in a dealer gallery or local art shop. Or look at a gallery online. Note: If the exhibition is just one room, consider it a single collection as you read the following instructions, ie each wall is a separate “gallery space”.

Try the following games and challenges as you move through. Take a journal to record reflections as you travel. You may want to use your phone to set a timer or take photographs.

Bring a friend. Talk about your experience afterwards in the gallery cafe.

GAME: “WHAT WOULD I STEAL?”

This is your very own private heist! A Treasure Hunt.

Before you enter a room in the gallery, tell yourself you have ONE task: you are going to (metaphorically) steal your favourite artwork. Once you’re in there:

• Choose the one piece (could be sculpture) that is the most valuable to you. The one you gravitate towards. The one that says PICK ME. It’s the one you’d run away with if you could.
• It might help to stand back, viewing the collection as a whole to see which pops out.
• If you're going with a friend, keep your target a secret shhhhhhhh
• This is VERY important: DO NOT READ THE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR TREASURE.
• Write in your journal about why you like it best.
• Read the information after you’ve spent time with your favourite thing. Try this in every room.

CHALLENGE: SLOW LOOKING

Choose an artwork.

• DO NOT READ THE INFORMATION ABOUT IT.
• Spend longer with it than you normally would. Sit with it if you can. Set a timer if that will help; aim for 3-5 minutes.
• Notice what’s happening in your body and mind as you attend to the artwork.
• Finally, read the information.
• When you feel the urge to move on, stay a little longer.

Repeat this once or twice, spending 15 minutes or so in quiet communion.

REFLECTION

Find a place nearby and sit quietly with your journal and pen.

Reflect on your slow looking. Listen for your thoughts and feelings.

Write down any observations about the work or the experience.

EXTRA

Visit the gift shop. Buy yourself a treasure to remind yourself of this experience.

xAB

REHU - From the Ashes at Te Toi Uku, October 2026. Photo credit: Nina Van Lier.