There are a variety of shades of wood used from a natural shade to orange -toned brown pieces of wood. This contrast in color and use of stains adds texture to the structure as a whole.
When passing through the art gallery it is as if the structure is jumping out at you, which invites viewers inside to soothe their curiosity with the knowledge the exhibit provides.Christina Henry
November 16, 2007
IAR 122
Connections From Within
The concept of the Close to Home: Edward Loewenstein exhibit in the Maud F. Gatewood Studio Arts building is connections. This concept fits for this exhibit because it is very similar to Lowenstein’s work he has done in Greensboro. This exhibit is a clear representation of the concept that Edward Lowenstein focused on in his contributions to Greensboro architecture. His structures had a strong connection to nature and its surroundings. The Close to Home exhibit brings the outside in tying together nature and civilization all encompassed into one.
This is achieved through distinct usage of materials as well as colors. Simplicity of materials ties into the concept as well. The structure is primarily built to expose the wood beams and in a maze like format that puts visitors in a directed path. There is a clear fluidity in the lines that are created by the materials used. Metal is used creating a distinct contrast of horizontal lines between the wood pieces.
The variation of lighting also adds to the experience of the structure. There is natural light coming from the outside of the Gatewood building that filters through the glass of the art gallery. Within the gallery itself there are spotlights that hang above highlighted areas of displayed information. The lighting creates an interesting band of shadows onto the floor. It aids in making the visitor feeling a close relationship to the structure. The minimal lighting causes the visitor to really observe what is going on in the space, it adds to the mystery. The images, texts, and graphics are what bring the concept together. The images show communities being brought together, showing the process work as well as final product of some of Loewenstein’s work. There are narratives placed to walk the visitor through the buildings created. The text size, and font is very subtle so that it is not overpowering in the visitor’s experience. It flows with the pictures in the exhibit. The use of a different media gave the visitor a broader scope into Edward Loewenstein and his work. It enhances the exhibit as well as serves as a contrast to the continual flow of photos and text throughout the space. The enclosed space that contains the projected images is very successful. The images are projected onto corrugated plastic, which changes the image’s picture. Also those who are looking from outside the gallery space are curious as to what the blurred image is that appears on the plastic. This allows for visitors to go through open spaces and then end up in a somewhat enclosed space that has minimal lighting it, that also has images being shown. The contrast of white and back photos as well as color photos connects the past to today.
A monumental moment of the exhibit is the strong connection of the outside and inside. This is successfully achieved by the small break in the structure when a wall protrudes out of the glass wall into the lobby space. This break causes all those who passes by to stop and look at that one particular area and draws them into the exhibit.
When encountering this space I found myself drawn to the right side entrance and move through the space as if in an maze from right to left. The exhibit is an interactive mechanism that draws people into it because of its uniqueness. If one had never experienced the qualities of a modern home, after going through the space one would know. There is a distinct and clear connection of environment to architecture.
No comments:
Post a Comment