Field Notes (Call Outs)
The Art Institute of Chicago -Of Gods and Glamour exhibition, February 8
Open space, entry hall is long and narrow, does not have many objects
-open windows, wood flooring-feels open and airy
Pedestals and glass cases used also attribute to open feel
Benches along some of the windows for seating-gives visitors opportunity to take more time in
exhibition
Galleries grouped by cultures, name of culture written on wall
-can be missed, not always intuitive
Walls painted warm color tones-each gallery gets its own color-darker tones: purple, blue and
green
Exhibition includes many objects, but situated around galleries to not be overwhelming
Plethora of different types of objects
iPad offers descriptions about the objects such as its material, also includes history
-offers interactive learning component
Labels gives enough information for someone to have a good amount to learn but is not too
much
-some labels give longer paragraphs of descriptions, reads easily
-also some have blown up images of the object and point out features to look at, to better
understand
Byzantine and Late Roman galleries are darker due to windows being covered
-even though windows are covered, objects are well-lit
-gallery spaces are noticeably darker, does not have the same open feel as previous
galleries
One room near Byzantine gallery is small and appears cavernous
-label of one sculpture is back behind it on the wall, too far away to read, had to lean over
platform to read it
Byzantine gallery- labels on floor below mosaics-interesting placement- crane neck to read
Metallic signs can be hard to read, can see if looking at various angles
Big wall in middle of gallery says “Treasures from the British Museum”
-part of Of Gods and Glamour exhibition?
Becca Drustrup
MST 502
Exhibition Critique: Of Gods and Glamour
Upon entering the Of Gods and Glamour exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, I first
noticed the gallery space and its open concept. The exhibition was held in long and narrow
hallways that circled the museum’s courtyard. The large windows let in a large amount of natural
sunlight, which for a chilly Friday morning was welcomed. I noticed the labels for these statues
and sculptures gave enough information to a visitor as a guide to better understand the object as
well as the culture and time period it came from. The color palette of the exhibition included
dark, yet rich tones. The pedestals were painted a dark grey, which complemented the dark walls.
The pedestals were displayed with class cases over the objects, which also aided in the open, airy
feeling of the space.
I noticed a plethora of different types of objects: statues of Greek gods, Roman rulers,
amphoras, coins, jewelry. I thought these objects were spaced fairly apart, to allow visitors to not
be overwhelmed as well as the possibility of maneuvering around large groups of people if
necessary. The first gallery displayed Greek art, exhibiting dark blue walls. A large map of the
geographical location of these objects as well as a panel of description was placed on the wall
near the entrance. Benches were placed below the windows and ran along most of the gallery to
allow visitors to sit and take in the exhibition. In observing labels, I looked at a kylix (wine cup).
The label stated the use of the object as well as which god it honors. Also included with the label
was a picture that showed how the vase looked like the features of a person when held up in front
of the face.
Moving into the Roman gallery, I noticed the walls were painted a darker purple. There
was a room near one of the corner ends of the gallery that housed a couple objects. The room
was so small and cavernous feeling. The room seemed a random addition to the gallery. One of
the labels was behind a statue on the platform, and I found myself leaning over the platform to
see it. Even though the label was placed farther away from the visitor, the size of the font was the
same, which made it difficult to clearly read.
Next I moved into the Byzantine and Late Roman gallery, where I was met with dark
green walls and a darker gallery due to the windows being covered. There were several mosaics
placed on the first wall, which were my favorite part of that gallery. The labels, however, were
placed on a small platform on the floor and I practically had to bend over to read them. Also, in
the middle of the gallery was a big, half wall that read “Treasures from the British Museum.” I
was a bit confused wondering if these objects were a part of the Of Gods and Glamour
exhibition. I deduced the objects were a part of the exhibition, but just came from the British
Museum. I could see other visitors be confused as well. After walking through the rest of the
gallery I had realized I was back at the beginning of the exhibition, and had walked a circle
around the museum courtyard.
After viewing the exhibition I then assessed the aspects of the exhibition according to the
third step of Serrell’s Framework. I believed that the exhibition was either excellent or a good
example in various categories in the Aspects of Being Comfortable. I attributed it to the open
feel of the galleries as well as the natural light and museum lighting. I thought the exhibition was
an excellent or good example in the categories in the Aspects of Engaging. I felt that the labels
were good resources for visitors to learn more about the objects, as well as the various iPads
throughout the galleries. The exhibition was a good example in the Aspects of Reinforcing. I
thought that the objects were placed far enough apart to not overwhelm the experience of the
visitor and also that the labels were not bogged down with too much information. I thought that
the ideas and objects of the exhibition were relevant to the visitor experience and was a good
example in regards to the Aspects of Meaningful.
I really enjoyed the exhibition and learning more about Greek, Roman and Byzantine art
and history. I thought the exhibition was very well done and believe my critique helps support its
excellence. Overall, I rated Of Gods and Glamour excellent in Comfortable, excellent in
Engaging, good in Reinforcing and good in Meaningful. I was glad I was given the opportunity
to visit the exhibition and the Art Institute of Chicago, and hope I can return to view future
exhibitions.