The Fundamentals

In school we are told that the five Ws are required to understand any situation.

The situation: I started a Substack.

It takes a bit more than five answers, but beginnings are hard. This is my first and final draft. Raw. Cringey. Let it be what it may.

Why?

Thousands of words. Hundreds of conversations. Dozens of notebooks. One overflowing mind. Every day I find myself thinking about art. Writing about art. Reading about art. Talking about art. I never had the courage to share my thoughts. I told others I would. I told myself I would when the timing was ~write~. That day never came. Today, 18 July, AD 2026, I chose to create that day, for no reason other than the fact that a thunderstorm kept me from going to the Brooklyn Museum.

Georgia Stylianides inspired me with her Substack. Her writing is thoughtful, substantive, and accessible. I cherish her posts and wanted to engage in the conversation she started. (Disclaimer: I have never met Georgia.)

Who…

Am I?

I’m Maya. An art obsessive who spends nearly every weekend in a museum or gallery. A self taught photographer and sculptor. A neuroscientist who has spent time in academia, journalism, video production, mining, and pharma. I’ve lived in 7 countries—USA, Canada, Peru, Chile, Colombia, France, and Spain—and consumed art in each (and around 30 others). I've spent time with some of the world's most knowledgeable art enthusiasts, and my eye has been shaped as much by those conversations as by hours spent in museums. I’m not an expert; I’m just extremely passionate about art.

Is this for?

Anyone who wants to learn how to look at art. Many of my friends lament the fact that they don’t know how to appreciate art. They find art boring. They don’t understand why society values certain artworks. I understand the sentiment. I learned to love art. I write so you can view, and hopefully one day love, art as I do.

It is also for those who want to escape, slow down, and ponder other humans’ interpretations of the complex, beautiful world we inhabit. This Substack is as much for me as it is for the reader.

What?

Below is the framework I created. No formula. This Substack is a way to document my observations. A living notebook.

The Close Look

We live in a world of distractions. Notifications. Constant movement. We rarely give our full, unfettered attention to any one thing. When I find a piece of art I love, I stay with it for long periods. Make-my-feet-hurt- long. Elderly-women-glare-at-me- long. Family-makes-fun-of-me- long. Art historian Jennifer Roberts recommends three hours. I haven’t made it that far… yet. These are my observations. I encourage you to go to see these works in person and formulate your own way of looking.

The Long View

A deep exploration of an artist, exhibition, or moment in art history that I want to learn more about. I learn by writing.

The Monthly Margins

An ongoing notebook. A list of the art shows I visited the month prior and whether, or not, I recommend you go. I will also include shows I’m looking forward to.

When?

1. Once a week, I will post The Close Look.

2. Once a month, I will post The Margins.

3. Once in a while, I will post The Long View. Life is busy. I can’t commit to a predetermined timeframe.

Where?

I am based in NYC, so much of the art I share will come from here. I travel to see art and will share what I encounter. The Close Look will periodically come from my archive.

I will post photos and share thoughts on my instagram (@bymayao). If this is of interest, feel free to follow along on my journey.