The ridiculousness of the art opening

An art opening should be for looking at the art. But this is what happens.

1.     The crowds pack in, the social interactions begin, backs turn to the art.

2.     The artist is surrounded by friends and admirers who offer superficial congratulations.

3.     Viewers who wish to actually talk to the artist about the work feel intimidated and back off.

4.     Food and drink are often free, attracting viewers away from the art.

5.     The whole context reinforces the "6 seconds for art" mentality.

6.     The next day the galley is virtually empty, the viewers having just "seen" the show.