29 April 2010
Angharad goes to a museum!
24 November 2009
Museum in 'not boring' shocker
With a dust allergy and a hatred of all things dull, I’m a difficult-to-please museum visitor. Unlike the surly teenage kids that you see dragging their feet from pottery fragment to pottery fragment, I can’t even be pacified by the inclusion of some supposedly contemporary ‘gaming’ element or a shoe-horned reference to graffiti. So it came as a genuine surprise when two separate exhibitions recently caught my imagination.
Experienced just days apart – yet actually separated by the Equator - Carson & Miller’s The Story of Things and Fritha Langerman’s Subtle Thresholds were both fascinating in their use of collections. The former carefully selected items from the North West Film Archive and MMU Special Collections to create new relationships and narratives between supposedly unrelated objects. Particularly inspiring was the juxtaposition of looped video excerpts depicting exorcisms in a
While Carson & Miller allowed for general randomness, ambiguity and the projection of theoretical constructs, Langerman’s approach was empirical yet no less thought-provoking. Stumbled upon quite by accident at the
Scientific apparatus was arranged geometrically while taxidermy exhibits (that might have been reduced to moth food if otherwise ignored in the
The only down side involved with encountering these inspirational projects is that subsequent collections might now appear that bit more boring.
Daniel Cookney, MA Communication Design
8 April 2009
Subversive Spaces
16 March 2009
The Heritage 'Experience'? O2
12 March 2009
Iconic Images: The Vanity Fair Anniversary Book, National Portrait Gallery
I went to have a look and was directed down to the basement where the book shop is (clever to have the exhibit right next to the shop) and I have to admit that I was utterly dissapointed.
One you wouldn't know the exhibit was there unless you asked for directions and too it was so dark due to the basement that the pictures looked dull and lifeless. The positioning I can understand as it does encourage you to take a look in the book shop but there were only around ten prints and they are positioned next to the lift and exit way, which i feel doesn't do them the justice they deserve.
I was shocked as aparently the exhibition has been extended until April, however i do question wether this is due to poor book sales more than visitors having a fantastic experience. any way if you get a chance, take a look and see if you agree.
London Fashion Weekend
As you all know I was at London Fashion Weekend last week, which was held in the grounds of the Natural History Museum. it was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the history of fashion and the latest current trends. There was also a clear link between the fashion show starting and the opening of the "hats" exhibition at the V and A.
It was interesting to see the link between fashion and culture as well. The opening of the "hats" exhibit was frequented by numerous celebrities and designers, who may not often go to museums etc. Its nice that events like this can bridge a gap between the retail side of fashion and the educational role that it can play.
Above all else it was enjoyable and well will leave you out of pocket hehe
have a look on the link if you are interested in this area.