exhibition interactives
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:22am JenScan
Here at MAD we have been working with the design firm Pentagram on a number of projects for our new building, including our exhibition interactives. In its simplest definition, an exhibition interactive would be any element of the exhibition in which the visitor can actively participate. In today’s world, this often involves technology, from computer screens to motion sensors and holograms.
Since this is the first time we have done anything like this at MAD, I have been doing a lot of research into what people think makes for an interesting or useful interactive. I haven’t found any definitive answers. The curatorial team (including myself) has put together a lot of information (mostly in the form of text) about the meanings behind the artwork, or the conceptual or visual connections between artworks in the collection. Perhaps this is what people want or expect from an art museum. But, I can’t help but wonder, maybe this is not what the average person finds interesting and engaging. Especially museum visitors, who have spent all day on their feet, maybe they have small kids they are trying to entertain, maybe they are past the age where they want to do a lot of reading while standing up.
Last night the interactive design firm Potion hosted a happy hour, which I attended, spurred by opportunity to learn more (ok, spurred also by the opportunity to drink for free). One of the things that I liked about the Potion projects (including their latest one at the Eldridge Street Synagogue) was that they often are sited at tables where people can share the interactive experience. And sometimes (as at the intereactives that used to be at the Asia Society) they include chairs where you can enjoy the experience sitting down. (Am I overfocused on the whole “sit down and rest” aspect? Is this a sign I am getting older?) I cornered one of the partners, Jared Schiffman, who very kindly discussed their design process with me. From what I understand, their designs evolve out of the experiences of the team, both the designers and the museum staff, a certain amount of experimentation, and a desire to make the experience fun. And I agree, the experience should be fun.
If anyone who is reading can point out a particularly good (or bad) exhibition interactive, I would love to continue my research. I am especially interested in low tech options, since we might actually be
able to implement those at the museum.
Entry Filed under: from the curators
5 Comments Add your own
1. Marjolein Starreveld | April 27th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Surching google I found Pricked: Extreme Embroidery on a Dutch website.
I ame a Dutch artist and I work with embroidery. I would like to get in contact with the curator of this exhibition since I want to make an exhibiton in Utrecht ( The Netherlands) and also would like to purchase the catalogue from this exhibition.
Sincerely
Marjolein Starreveld
http://www.marjoleinstarreveld.nl
2. Josh | April 28th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Thanks for commenting, Marjolein. I’ve passed your info on to the exhibition’s curator. And, just so you know, you’ll soon be able to purchase show catalogs and a variety of other items at our online shop: thestore.madmuseum.org.
3. Carol Koffel | September 25th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Walking through musuems, I attempt to engage the human guards to source information. Sometime they are informative yet often surlie.
Can we educate them and encourage engagement with the public visitor? Or is the gap between their social economics something we can not touch or discuss?
Why are they here? Yes – security – No to education? As low tech a solution requiring education, communication and collaboration across lines silently drawn. Dividing artists, designers, patrons, collectors and the viewer. I suppose the curatorial staff may have experiences here that maybe of value.
C: Monk
4. Sabrina Fresko | January 15th, 2009 at 6:58 am
I’m a modern jewellwry designer,
Sculptures to Wear is the name and also the philosophy of my work, I work in three differen ways:
1. sculptures in jewelry.
2. Hand knitted resin covered silver necklaces and bracelets.
3. Geometric but witty designs in jewelry:Kinetic, moebius sculptures, jewellery etc.
I live and teach in Turkey but my daughter will be coming to New York next week, how can I show your curators my work, I will be sendig with her some samples showing the extent of my work. you can also look in my website .www.simyagaleri.com http://www.sabrinafresko.com.
thank you for your time and interest.
Sabrina Fresko.
5. Sabina Magnus | February 18th, 2009 at 8:13 am
I guess I’m a little late to this conversation and I’m not sure that you will read this but
my suggestion to make the museum more interactive is to hold competitions, both submission works and perhaps competitions in the gallery. For example, there can be a race to finish a knitting small project or to make the largest pot or to create a portrait in the fastest time. Along the way demo info can be given.
Could be lots of fun.
Sabina
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