Lighting&Sound America Online - News: Be it sophisticated lighting concepts for special exhibits, stage design expertise that enthrals the audience, or elements that actively involve the visitor -- the expectations the public bring to an exhibition are growing all the time, and so are the demands on systems, decoration, and furnishings. How can one ensure that an exhibition is a success?
3 comments:
I agree with this article, 110%. My friend and I went to see the Wiz Live! Costumes, which Susan Stu recommended to the entire Basic Design class. Remember the seeing the musical on tv, and the costumes being one of the best parts of the production, I really was determined to see it. So, we go to the venue, and straight off the bat something was off. The lights were so dim that not only did the costumes not look to its bright glory that I had originally scene, but taking pictures was very challenging (especially when you are brown/dark skinned). I know these costumes are on display, will travel, and there is a projector, but you can at least put some creativity in showing these beautiful costumes. Even simple gels to change of tonal value of the fixtures would have helped our eyes a little. In my opinion, at least, like theatre, an exhibition should tell or show are story, which make the audience want to examine every piece of work with individual intensity and while also progressing the movement
I love that this article discusses the many different valuable skills theatre professionals can bring to other industries. The world as far as technology, design, and art is becoming more and more integrated every day, and this is proof. Consumers wants high quality, mesmerizing, and immersive experiences in almost any kind of exhibit these days. I don't think it's just a demand to see cool things either. The overall experience of an exhibit is heightened when the elements surrounding the exhibit itself are done well. The clearest example I can think of is with lighting. You can display any sort of amazing object, but if it isn't lit well you can destroy the experience because nobody will be able to really see the object. When theatrical designers come into play, we can further enhance that experience. The job of a theatrical designer is to facilitate the mood and emotions of performance to an audience. Bringing this conept into an exhibit can create a space in which you can better control an audience member's perspective in what they are seeing.
I'm actually very interested in museum exhibit design (not in place of theatrical design) because the same principles of our design, work flow, roles, etc. seem completely applicable and promote community education- they just tend to last longer than your average set. Interactive and immersive theatre is becoming increasingly popular lately- with Sleep No More and Great Comet- and museums are increasingly trying to create interactive components in every exhibit- like the Van Gogh bedroom at the Art Institute of Chicago or the paintings for the blind at The Warhol. Not only can museum inclusion in this convention benefit exhibit designers, but theatrical designers as well who could be facing some of the challenges or durability or approachability which exist in the museum industry. Bit of a side note- looking at the Stage Set Scenery website- their convention has a heavy electrics presence, which isn't acknowledged in their name or the article. Set designers, although apparent, aren't the only contributors adapting to interactive projects.
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