I aim to create an exhibition design that triggers and challenges the viewer’s, or rather the participator’s, senses. The design would include samples of Helen Keller's work displayed in ways so that it reveals itself without explanations being necessary. However, the project is not to showcase her work alone but rather to have the participators experience a mindful state and reflect upon life (Helen's). Therefore, the installation would be a mixture of fragmented documentations, interpretations and experiences.
The viewer would be involved in making the installation an art piece. The design should create a sense of curiosity within the viewer, as this feeling describes Helen or more so, was always described by Helen. In addition it should enable the viewers to explore the space without restriction. The exhibition should be a memorable experience where the participator is left with unanswered questions and a sense of reflection.
“I Left the wellhouse eager to learn. Everything had a name, and each name gave birth to a new thought.
As we returned to the house, every object I touched seemed to quiver with life."
Helen Keller
“Empty space: a space of experimentation, and more than that, a space where the artist can linger not knowing."
Helen Keller
Concept development/brief
This spacial organization plays with shadows and celebrates the absence of light rather than light itself, in order to create a meaningful narrative and tribute to Helen Keller.
One requires distance from the world in order to reflect and understand the bigger whole, the same applies to actually being able to see what the shadows, in this memorial, spell out. This could only happen from a distance and not when you are being directly involved with and in the space.
The sense of vision in this design is reduced as the other senses are emphasized. This challenges our nature as occularcentric beings. What is focused on are the sounds produced and the sense of touch. It is all about a private space which is enclosed to create the sense of reflection of the selves within the space. The nylon strings that are attached from the furniture pieces to the columns are meant to create soothing and fragmented sounds on a windy day.
Helen's name is not spoon-fed to the spectators, it will only show up at certain times occasionly and will be seen from a distance. You have to really get to know the space and converse with it in order to understand what it is trying to say. The thoughts you get, the reflections you have, the silence you inhale, the sounds you absorb, all together, is what makes this architecural space, a space. a space for all that, a piece of art because of you.
The pieces of plywood function both as design elements to the integral concept of spelling Helen's name through shadows and as furniture pieces to the experience.
The pieces of plywood function both as design elements to the integral concept of spelling Helen's name through shadows and as furniture pieces to the experience.
