Tuesday 11 March 2014

Leaving Cert's- Extra notes for 2007 paper question -

Art Gallery

Exhibitions can take months to plan and develop.  The artists want to focus on two things: the message they want to communicate and the audience it is aimed at.  There are certain things you should think about when visiting an exhibition:

Use of space: This is not just about the elements of design, but also about the spatial experience.  What is the nature, quality and design of the space used? Is it calm and peaceful or noisy and aimed towards children?  How is the spatial experience enhanced by other design elements such as light, use of colour and the shape and size of the room?  How is the space used to enhance how you experience the messages or themes in the art work? 

Lighting: This can be really important, as not only does it create or enhance a mood but it can also affect it in negative ways.  Also, textiles and paper are extremely sensitive to light damage, so conservation is a major issue when it comes to illuminating objects and displays and they can often be dimly lit for this reason.

Key messages:  What is the exhibition about?  When visiting an exhibition it’s a good idea to list the main topics/themes of the artwork.

Interpretive media & technology:  These can be touchpad, interactive, audio, video device.  How are these designed and planned to support the messages or themes?

Who is the audience:  Is it for experts or for people with little knowledge of the subject?  Is it for students, adults, children or a range of visitors?  Have the items in the exhibition been explained properly or the visitors left wondering what the artwork was about?


What type of experience is provided?
Are you being allowed to form your own opinions and thoughts or are you being given a particular viewpoint?  What objects and themes get priority?  Has anything or anyone’s viewpoint been left out?

Supporting materials:  These can be leaflets, advertisements or catalogues.  These materials are important tools for helping the organizers of the exhibition to get the message across for the audience.  Examine the graphics/text and images used in support materials.

Directions: Note the directions and signposts used in the exhibition.  Are they effective?

Placement:  Take some time to look at how paintings are placed/ hung, such as an open display or in display cases.

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