The narrator expresses an unease when entering art galleries, likening their atmosphere to that of a church. The silence and reverence create a suffocating feeling, as if there's an expectation to demonstrate respect for the art displayed. The ambiance fosters a sense of disconnection, stripping the artwork of its original emotion and context.

They lament that paintings are sterilized in this environment, reduced to mere objects on neutral walls illuminated by track lighting. The comparison to air freshener suggests an attempt to sanitize the art, eradicating its raw, visceral qualities, akin to "the smell of blood on the wall." This highlights a conflict between the authenticity of art and the sanitized space of the gallery.