When it comes to appreciating art, I'm pretty much on the level of a child. So it seems entirely appropriate to go along for the ride as my 5-year-old daughter tries her hand at the With Open Eyes CD-ROM, jumping effortlessly from a Winslow Homer painting to an African ceremonial mask.
There are no written instructions, but a help feature and a simple interface make for easy navigation among 200-plus paintings, sculptures, and other works from the Art Institute of Chicago. The global sampling spans 5,000 years, and a click of the mouse shows you graphically when (on a time line) and where (on a world map) the work was created. Click on the map or time line to see other art from the same geographic region or historical period.
My daughter is mostly interested in checking out the camera icon, which allows her to take a snapshot of an artwork and then rearrange the pictures in a virtual scrapbook. There are also games corresponding to each work of art, such as finding a specific detail in a painting or connecting the dots to outline the shape of a sculpture.
With Open Eyes is a fun introduction to visual art, neither too preachy nor pedantic. The brief descriptions leave many questions intentionally unanswered, inviting viewers to indeed "open their eyes" and explore the visual landscapes. It's ideal for 8- to 14-year-olds. Adults, though, will probably want a little more meat on the bone. A few of the audio effects wear thin, such as the announcer who clears his throat every time you click on the lips icon for information.
When I try accessing background text on a Japanese tapestry, my daughter will have none of it. Guess I'll have to book my own time for With Open Eyes.
With Open Eyes Mac and Windows CD-ROM: US$39.95. The Voyager Company: (800) 446 2001, on the Web at www.voyagerco.com.
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