Taking a day to survey Chicago, I decided to spend a few hours in the famous Chicago Art Institute. The Art Institute is home to many of the noted paintings and sculptures that have etched themselves into the American culture. As I explored the museum, I found it hard not to be thrilled when confronted with one of its artistic icons. After having viewed these works so many times in films and magazines, it has become difficult to convince myself that such legendary images are not the product of Hollywood prop-makers. Yet, when Grant Wood's "American Gothic" or Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks" is close enough to touch, the reality of these masterpieces is all too obvious.

I often find that art museums produce an interesting psychological effect. When encountering the vast array of artwork on display, I, and many other patrons, seem naturally attracted to, or repulsed by, specific styles of artistic expression. This effect seems to happen immediately, regardless of whether a viewer has been exposed to the artifacts in question before. Why is it that the average person would show no interest in early American colonial furniture, yet be strangely drawn to Hindu religious art? Or be totally absorbed by medieval armor and think nothing of impressionist paintings? Inspired by Japanese prints and incensed by cubist sculptures? I'd love to know what brings this about. The answer is certain to be enlightening.