Jan 23 Assignment - Vanessa German Exhibit

Functional Considerations

Traffic flow has been considered for this show. Each piece has a considerable amount of walking room so that the viewer can see all angles of every given piece. The pieces command a lot of space and it is adequately given. I can see the materials used for each piece posing a problem when it comes to archiving. Each sculpture is made up of a variety of things that could cause a problem when it comes to preservation, especially since the pieces can be touched by viewers. The reading heights for the hanging pieces are comfortable, but the ones on the sculpture are not so much. With no alternative to offer, considering the pieces and the placement, I would say they were well placed, though. I would say a disabled person would be able to see the show with ease. As mentioned above, there is plenty of room between each piece to move through the exhibit, even with a considerable amount of people in the gallery. The chosen typography is easy to read. The sans serif font is clean and simple, without any added ornamentation to distract from the pieces themselves.

Formal Considerations

As mentioned in the previous section, I find the font choice and size effective. It isn't too busy, it's clean and doesn't distract from the work. It serves its purpose of providing information alongside the art. I would say there is a visual unity of elements. The repetition of objects and materials used helps carry the viewer through the gallery as well as the repetition of the image of Dehlia on the majority of the pieces. The exhibit does have a particular style. It has an eclectic feel to the building up of each sculpture that adds a sense of nostalgia to each piece. It's a bit whimsical, even with the references to violence and slavery. Each piece has a deep sense of emotion and immersion.

Conceptual Considerations

Vanessa German's exhibit bitter root displays a collection of sculptures that utilize found objects to create pieces that embody the struggle to overcome slavery and violence in a poverty stricken African American dominated community.  I would say it is a fluid sequence, not requiring a certain path in order to take in the depth of the show. For Vanessa's work I do not think a linear sequence would be beneficial. I find linear better in shows that have a very specific narrative in mind whereas Vanessa's work seems to be more of a grouping of her individualized sculptures. 

Visitor Observations

I think visitors under the age of 25 could at least appreciate the visual stimulation of the work; the color, objects, and somewhat playful nature of the sculptures can appeal to a younger audience even if they do not grasp the deeper aspects of the work. Viewers over the age of 25 would be able to grasp the depth of the work and I believe that would be the most popular aspect for them. Least popular for both, I think, is the fact that the work has to do with black culture. Billings being a high percentage of Caucasian residents may not relate as fully to the work as if it were shown in Pittsburgh. There have also been some negative comments coming from students who are of African American descent who view the work as demeaning, though I don't think they bothered to truly interpret the work or even read the artists statement that was provided at the entrance to the gallery. I believe it is an art experience that would be fairly easy to share and discuss. It is a lively show done by an artist with a great sense of community and I think that feeling comes out. If I could change one aspect of the space it would be the break in the floor where it switches from carpet to tile. I'd prefer it have one or the other. I don't like the separation that is created.