Exposition research (part II) - McManus galleries [part 1]

What?
This is a four part research piece focusing on the layouts and display of the works on exhibition at the McManus galleries in the centre of Dundee.
Why?
To gather a greater understanding how one displays a variety of works, using different materials, colours, labelling and arrangements/layouts.

Below, I have uploaded some of the images I took on my visit to the McManus, what materials have been used, highlighting any positives or negatives and building conclusive results relevant towards the development of showcasing my work at the end of the semester.

Exhibits:

This piece uses metal, clay and glass and stone/granite for the lower displays, providing an overall modern look on a series of older looking pieces. The cloth material behind the sea shell in the top right corner aids in the direction of drawing focus because it contrasts with materials and colours in the background. The glass presents the objects on display with much more grace because they do no steal any attention and direct viewers attention towards the exhibits. The downside to this piece is the randomness of the materials, making the whole piece somewhat disorientated and disorganised.

The stone materials in this piece blend very well with the colours in the background and contrast with those in the foreground, enabling this piece to become more balanced and not overpowering in appearance. The negative however, lies in the top right corner of this exhibited piece because the use of metallic materials clash with those in the foreground and create an imbalance with the intended projection/theme of this piece.

There are a large variety of materials in this piece and the the fascinating element here is that it is not visually overpowering. The paper materials compliment the wooden materials of the carriage being dragged by the alluring marble horse in the foreground. Colour plays an important part in this piece, however, the simplicity and equal balance of the materials help this exhibit blend and prevent the featured objects from conflicting. The only down side to this exhibited piece is the glass materials in the right hand side of the foreground because it adds unnecessary reflections and draws focus from the horse and carriage in the foreground.

Conclusion:

This has helped me understand that different materials are needed to display my works. Using conflicting materials can cause distractions as well as disorientation within my showcased pieces and in turn, may give my honours project somewhat of a less professional aesthetic.