Sometimes for the beginning gallery visitor there is a tendency to think that you need to appreciate, or at least try to appreciate, everything. That's what I used to feel. If it's on the wall - it must be good was the theory. It's my job to discover what is good about it.
Now this is true to a degree. And that philosophy can be applied and be useful for limited time periods are particular occasions but as a general rule, it is not going to serve you.
What you really want to do is, like a heat seeking missile, walk from piece to piece in search of something that ignites your imagination. Something that speaks to you. That's when you stop, pay attention, see, listen, discover.
Because, essentially, what you are looking for really, are images that connect with your own sensibilities. Pictures that speak your language. It should not be tedious or difficult. It's about connection. You are searching for images that amaze you, inspire you, impress you. Anything that makes you feel.
You are seeking to develop your own innate creative landscape. Expand imagery database. You only need to input things that you perceive to be of value.
When I started gallery hopping, I would spend a minimum amount of time in each space - even if the work wasn't up my alley. But eventually I realised that time spent labouring over something that doesn't do it for me is less time with other things that might make me wildly inspired and rabidly hungry for art, art, art. Since then, if I pop my head into a show and instinctively feel it isn't for me, I will ghost it pronto. Move on. Give it the brush. (With respect, of course.)
There is too much out there that is waiting to inspire you to waste time and viewing energy with imagery (no matter how 'good' or 'bad', celebrated, revered or written about) that isn't creative viagra.
Then when you find a great pic, give it your time. Bathe in it's wonder. Soak up it's subtleties, lap up it's luxurious splendour. And ask yourself, quietly, to yourself, what is it that does it for me about this? How does this relate to what I do - or want to do? What is the gap between this artist and me?
Always aspiring is a good thing. Always being hungry to be inspired, not losing your openness, your willingness to be engaged or shocked, is crucial to your growth. The best artists are the ones that are true to themselves. The best way to be true to yourself is to get to know yourself. The way to get to know yourself is to pay attention and listen to your intuitive voice and guidance system.
The inner voyage, the inner voyage. Seeking, seeking, finding. Then moving on. Express what is inside you, exhaust yourself, get refilled, re-inspired, then repeat the process.
Gallery going is a great way to fill up. Go stare at walls. It don't mean you are crazy.