In simple terms, Janet Echelman's statement highlights a fundamental aspect of art: its experiential nature. She suggests that while much of what we discuss about art can be conveyed through words and descriptions, there are elements of it that are felt more profoundly when experienced firsthand rather than explained verbally.
Echelman’s insight delves into the intrinsic qualities of artistic experiences, which often defy easy verbal expression. These nonverbal aspects might include emotional responses triggered by an artwork's presence or sensory impressions that come from engaging with art in a physical space. Such experiential elements are crucial to understanding and appreciating art fully, yet they can be challenging to articulate because their impact is deeply personal and immediate rather than analytical or descriptive.
Janet Echelman is known for her large-scale interactive sculptures that merge architecture, public spaces, and digital technology to create immersive experiences. Her work often involves suspended structures that interact with the environment in dynamic ways, enhancing viewers' sensory engagement beyond traditional visual art forms. This approach aligns closely with her view on the profound yet elusive nature of experiential art.
