A CLASS AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY- WHAT IS LUXURY?

WHAT IS LUXURY ?

This week we learned a lot about the definition of luxury, and we had our class at the National Gallery in London. We were able to spend the day there and discover the art of art, and for me, it was a highlight of my whole week.

We spent a lot of time in class, and for me also afterwards, thinking about: What is luxury? And I find this question very interesting. Because is there a real answer? I would say yes. But at the same time, I would say no. Because there is not one correct answer. Luxury is not like science where you can prove something and explain with evidence that something is right or wrong. Luxury is very connected to feelings, emotions, and perspective. In some way, it is connected to psychology, leading to neuroscience – so we end up at science again. So maybe there is a correct answer.

That day I asked myself: So, what is luxury? For me, it is not only a thing or an experience. I think luxury begins with the emotions a certain thing gives you. Some buy luxury goods or luxury experiences to feel seen, valued, or as a status symbol. Others buy them to prove something to others or to themselves. Some buy for the aesthetic. Others just because they can afford it. And some because they cannot afford it but want to be a version of themselves that can.

Answering this question seems therefore quite intimate. So, what is luxury for me? Maybe some day I will reveal it.

IF IT IS FOR FREE IS IT NOT WORTH THE ATTENTION ?

Another question I asked myself, connected to the visit at the National Gallery, was triggered by an observation I made that day. I observed that some were not interested at all in the art show in the museum. Some seemed to walk in there blind, like they did not see the same thing I saw. Why is that? It made me curious, because I can only talk from my own perspective. Why is it that they do not see the same value in this experience as I did?

And then this led me to the question: Are things not seen as valuable just because they are for free? Just think about that. The entrance to the National Gallery was free, and all of this art is there and accessible to be seen. Would some still show this lack of interest if they had to pay $100 to get in there – or even $1000? Or is it just that some are not interested in art at all? But aren’t we all interested in stories – in the stories of other people? And art tells us so much about the life people lived and gives us so much to learn.

A MOMENT TO REMEMBER

A moment I will not forget. As I got to see all the paintings, my path crossed with some of the artworks from my favorite artist, and I still feel so blessed that I was able to see these paintings with my own eyes – especially because it was so unexpected at that time.

I truly recommend everyone to visit the National Gallery. Even if you have not had any bond or interest in art until this moment, it can only benefit you and your soul. The gallery is filled with so much history and different artists and paintings from centuries. And as my professor said the other day: Fill your brains and souls with something good, so something good will come out.

WORDS OF GRATITUDE

I have to say thank you at this point. I truly appreciate the effort of the professors from this master’s program. I see such pure intention and willingness from my professors to give us students deep meaning and culture in our studies, and their wish to open opportunities for us. I could not be happier with my decision to study here, at this exact university, at this exact time.

I am so beyond grateful that I got to see my favorite painting in real life, in the setting of a seminar, while studying and getting a degree. I am so happy and grateful and see so much value in experiences like these. Learning is for everyone what they make out of it. You can study the same master’s as I do and have attended the same art gallery as I did, but not see any value or purpose in this experience at all. So I understand that this is a unique experience and perspective I have of this trip – and this is why I feel even more grateful and happy to embrace this view, share this, and just say thank you to the world and to the professors who put good intention into the world. You filled my day with joy, and I am genuinely grateful for that.

So now I just wanted to take a moment to appreciate this day and the experience I had. I am so beyond grateful and will remember the moment I saw the painting forever.

All my loves,

-K.J.K.