Mindful Looking: Discover the Art of Presence

When we visit a gallery or museum, it’s easy to find ourselves moving quickly from one artwork to the next, barely allowing our eyes to settle before seeking out the next piece. In a world of constant stimulation, our attention is often fragmented—drawn from one thing to another without truly pausing to absorb what’s in front of us.

This time, we invite you to experience something different.

Instead of moving quickly through a collection, we encourage you to slow down and focus your attention on just one painting: Amedeo Modigliani’s Woman with Red Hair (1917).

Why Mindful Looking?

Mindful looking is about more than just seeing—it’s about fully experiencing. It’s about noticing the details you might otherwise overlook: the curve of a line, the interplay of color and shadow, the emotion in the subject’s gaze. When we engage with art mindfully, we create space for stillness and reflection. We allow ourselves to see not just with our eyes, but with our whole attention.

Research suggests that engaging with art in this way can have real benefits for mental wellbeing. Slowing down, focusing on visual details, and allowing emotional responses to emerge naturally can enhance feelings of calm, presence, and even connection.

How to Begin

To help guide your experience, we’ve created an audio track designed to lead you through a mindful exploration of Woman with Red Hair. The recording will gently direct your attention to different aspects of the painting—its colors, shapes, textures, and emotional tone—encouraging you to explore it at a deeper level.

This isn’t about finding hidden meanings or making intellectual judgments. It’s about allowing yourself to simply be with the artwork, moment by moment.

Take a breath. Let go of any expectations. Allow yourself to see, feel, and experience this work of art in a new and meaningful way.

✨ Press play to begin your mindful looking experience with “Woman with Red Hair” from Modigliani.