High Culture Goes Hands-On by Judith Dobrzynski

            In the article "High Culture Goes Hands-On", author Judith Dobrzynski explores the role museums should, or should not, represent in contemporary society. The article argues against the changing meaning of cultural institutions from a passive to a more active participation. She mentions examples of contemporary art pieces in museums as a reflection of the modern audience. Nowadays experience is as an integral role for museum goers. Her main argument is that museums are now used for a sort of experience when "the thrill of standing before art is not quite exciting enough for most people" (Dobrzynski, 20013). Once a passive act of looking at paintings in the historical context, usually written by scholars, now these museums are now trying to create an audience to respond to art works through a collaborative effort. One example of this piece of work that is mentioned is the Rain Room by MoMA PS1, amongst the many interactive (and trendy) art pieces of the contemporary art world.
             As mentioned in Dobrzynski article, B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore calls the "experience economy." Institutions are trying to readjust their power structure by adding an aspect of individual experience into it. Dobrzynski uses a more archaic explanation of museums where culture thrives in exhibition spaces, but only so. What Dobrzynski fails to suggest is that the idea of 'cultural institution' in itself is changing with a more liberal and transparent practices. However I believe that sometimes a memory that comes organically through familiarity is better understood than scholarly work that seems to cater to only the few. .
             There is a change in values that is perceived in the general audience of the museum. The article suggests a disparity between the visitors and the museum. Masterpieces are being redefined and rebranded. The museum needs to know whom they are catering to, and today they should expect everybody to come.