PRESENTATION OF ART- ANALYSIS WORKSHEET
Starburst: Color Photography in America (1970-1980)
1. General Description of the Show
A. The artists' name(s):
Many different photographers including:
*Joel Meyerowitz
*Nan Golden
*William Eggleston
*Mitch Epstein
*Helen Levitt
B. How many pieces are in the show:
Many different collections ranging from just a couple prints to twenty or so prints to literally hundreds grouped together for one collection
C. Describe the location/context of the exhibition space:
This show is at the Cincinnati Art Museum. It is set up like a maze to direct you through each collection. Each artist has their own section in the maze with a quote from them about their color photography and a brief description of their work. It is lit by warm overhead lighting only. The walls are consistently white with wood flooring. There are benches throughout the gallery to sit upon and reflect. It’s rather warm in the gallery with sounds of footsteps, quiet voices, and jingling keys.
D. Describe your perceptions on the content or idea behind the work:
I think this show is purely about the introduction of color in the world of photography from 1970 to 1980. Each artist’s collection has their own idea behind their use of color. Collectively they work just as a focus on color photography from 1970-1980
2. Give Detailed Descriptions of the Following:
A. The method of presentation of artwork (media of artwork, size of artwork, and
how it is presented- frames, mats, pushpins, pedestals, etc.)
The method of presentation is quite different depending on the photographer. They range all the way from 2 x 2 inches to about 3 x 4 feet. Most of the works are window matted with thick, white matte board with either a white or black frame with glass overtop. The photographs range from different types of printing methods including: chromogenic prints, dye transfer prints, offset lithography on a magazine page, projections, cibachrome prints, Polaroid’s, inkjet prints, pigment prints, and ectacolor prints.
B. The nature of the exhibition space (size, shape, ceiling height, formal, informal,
etc.)
The exhibition is formal with high ceiling and a very open space. It is lit by warm overhead lighting only. The walls are consistently white with wood flooring. There are benches throughout the gallery to sit upon and reflect.
C. The type and nature of the lighting in the exhibition space
The lighting is a warm toned yellowish-orange overhead lighting
D. The relationship of the art pieces to each other (physical and thematic)
Thematically related through color. Physically each collection is separated into its own space, however they are all the traditional rectangular and square format framed and matted with a few exceptions that are the projections.
E. Other external factors (noise level, air currents, number of people in the space,
etc.)
This is a warm gallery space. There are noises of footsteps, voices, and jingling keys. Because of the gallery set up, other people seem sparse, but you can hear them all.
3. How the Presentation Method Affects the Art (use the back, if necessary)
If you feel that the method used to present the work supports and enhances its
meaning to the viewer, clarify the criteria upon which you are basing this opinion.
If you feel that the method used to present the work detracts from and weakens its
meaning to the viewer, clarify the criteria upon which you are basing this opinion.
The method of presentation enhances and strengthens the work. The unity of presentation and framing works to prevent any detraction from the overall theme of color, while the slight separation of each individual collection allows the viewer to ponder about the specific intentions of the artists.
