63 pages • 2 hours read
Get the Picture: A Mind-Bending Journey Among the Inspired Artists and Obsessive Art Fiends Who Taught Me How to See
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
IntroductionChapter Summaries & Analyses
Introduction Summary: “The Heads: An Introduction”
Bosker outlines her journey from art skeptic to determined investigator of the fine art world. While she was initially dismissive of art’s importance, she rediscovered her childhood passion for creativity after finding her grandmother’s watercolor paintings—specifically, dancing carrots—that held deep significance as artifacts from a World War II displaced persons camp. This discovery prompted Bosker to question her highly structured life in New York and investigate why art might be essential rather than merely decorative.
As she attempts to understand the contemporary art scene, she encounters significant resistance from industry insiders. Gallery owners, artists, and curators—collectively known as “the Heads”—express reluctance to speak openly about their work, with some refusing to go on record entirely. Their reticence only intensifies her curiosity about whether the art world harbors profound insights or perpetrates an elaborate deception.
The introduction establishes key distinctions in art terminology, explaining that while “modern art” encompasses works from approximately 1860-1970, “contemporary art” refers to subsequent creations. Bosker acknowledges her initial struggles, describing her discomfort at gallery openings and her inability to appreciate installations that other viewers found profound. This led her to question the concept of “visual literacy” and its importance in an increasingly image-saturated world.
Bosker supports her investigation with scientific research indicating that art creation predates many fundamental human innovations, including agriculture and written communication. She notes that archaeologists have identified human artistic expression dating back over 45,000 years, suggesting art’s deep roots in human development. This scientific context contrasts with her observation of contemporary artists who often sacrifice financial security and personal relationships to pursue their craft.
The introduction concludes by previewing Bosker’s immersive approach to understanding art, including her experiences as a museum guard and participant in performance pieces. Her methodology aims to bridge the gap between casual observers and those possessing what insiders call “an Eye”—a cultivated ability to discern artistic significance and future trends, and investigate whether art appreciation truly requires specialized knowledge.
Introduction Analysis
The introduction of Get the Picture establishes the author’s personal journey as a framework for exploring broader questions about art appreciation and accessibility. Through the narrative device of her grandmother’s dancing carrot paintings, Bosker creates an emotional entry point into examining Why People Make and Buy Art. The grandmother’s story—creating art in a displaced persons camp after surviving WWII—suggests art’s capacity to provide meaning and humanity even in the darkest circumstances, setting up one of the text’s central investigations into art’s deeper purpose.
The Art World’s Culture of Exclusivity, Hierarchy, and Secrecy emerges as a dominant theme through Bosker’s encounters with various art world figures. The introduction details multiple warnings she receives about her investigation, with sources expressing fears of professional retaliation and describing the scene as a “big con” and “the world’s biggest high school” (11). Bosker elaborates: “Scratch that: A gallerist who’d taught at a high school assured me his colleagues were way worse than high schoolers— ‘Their ignorance is nowhere near as entrenched’” (11). This atmosphere of paranoia and gatekeeping heightens curiosity while highlighting systematic barriers to art world access.
The challenge of Developing an Eye for Art is highlighted through Bosker’s transformation from art enthusiast to confused outsider to determined investigator. Her candid admission of feeling “two tattoos and a master’s degree short of fitting in” at galleries effectively captures the intimidation many feel when encountering contemporary art (3). This vulnerability establishes her credibility as a guide for equally perplexed readers.
The introduction’s structure mirrors the author’s investigative process, beginning with personal confusion, expanding to include scientific and anthropological perspectives on art’s human importance, and ultimately arriving at her decision to deeply embed herself in the art world. This progression creates narrative tension while demonstrating the scope of her upcoming exploration.
Bosker employs humor and informal language to make complex art world dynamics accessible. Asides such as, “(‘Indexical marks of the artist’s body’ would be ‘finger painting’ to you and me.)” both critique art world pretension and create solidarity with readers who may feel similarly alienated (12). This stylistic choice positions the text as a bridge between insider and outsider perspectives.
Unlock all 63 pages of this Study GuidePlus, gain access to 8,800+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features: