“A Long Look” is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Karen Jackson, a lifelong art lover, museum fan, art history graduate and former graphic designer. It’s a friendly, lighthearted look at art in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.
Jackson provides vivid descriptions about what she sees and discovers and the questions that come up while examining a work of art for several minutes instead of the usual 6-10 seconds. That’s followed by stories about the history, mystery or controversy surrounding the work or the artist. Each episode is only about 10 minutes.
The show is for art lovers but also people interested in art who might feel intimidated or overwhelmed by museums. Jackson offers listeners a more engaging way of experiencing art simply by slowing down and the background stories remind us how human art really is.
Listeners who are blind or have low vision can also access the show through their iOS devices using Apple Podcasts or the Overcast app.
The works chosen are on view in the Gallery’s permanent collection and Jackson strives to provide a variety of eras, styles, nationalities, and genders. Most of the works presented have open access images provided by the Gallery. Works without open access images will include a placeholder linking to their page on the Gallery’s site. Background information comes from their site, publications and staff and occasionally outside sources. A list of sources is provided in the show notes.
Contact alonglookpodcast[at]gmail.com