The goal of this installation was to promote the concept of a world neighborhood. Featuring children’s art work from CCF-sponsored children, the exhibit proposed the definition of neighbor as a fellow human being. Through the artwork of children, we are given a global view of daily life, sports, cultural activities and other traditions and rituals which we all share as members of the human race. The exhibition spaces [two vacant stores] functioned as vehicles for the communication of a social message, subverting the intention of a mall by “selling” the intangible, with the goals of educating the public and inspiring attitudinal and behavioral change.
Featuring children’s art work from CCF-sponsored children, the exhibit proposes the concept of neighbor from a global perspective. Through the artwork of children, we are given a global view of daily life, sports, cultural activities and other traditions and rituals which we all share as members of the human race. Relating to my work, the store functions as a vehicle for the communication of a social message, subverting the intention of a mall by “selling” the intangible, with the goals of educating the public and inspiring attitudinal and behavioral change.
The collaboration with Christian Children’s Fund [CCF] began when they contacted VCU in need of input on signage for an exhibit. The Shops at Willow Lawn, a shopping center in Richmond, donated two stores and one storefront for a temporary display of sponsored children’s artwork. During the course of this project, I worked with Associate Professor Mary McLaughlin, of the Communication Arts and Design Department and Kindra Calhoun, a 4th year student in the Department, to conceptualize and design the exhibit for these spaces.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
MOBILITY
The signage was designed for maximum flexibility for future use in other environments. Its primary purpose was to draw people into the exhibit [with content and scale], therefore it was imperative that the signage function independent of location-specific elements. Because the work was designed for mobility and continued usage, the modular panels provided a system to work together, independent of environmental limitations. There was no hierarchy in the signage components [ie. from one panel to the next] therefore they could be easily arranged. The signage was constructed from paper with foamcore ends for stability, this allowed for easy rolling for mailing and storage.
SPATIAL ORGANIZATION
The spatial organization of the exhibition components was tied directly to the layout of the particular space. We presented the work to allow the viewer to see the work as they passed by, so there would be no surprises when they walked into the spaces. There were also specific considerations for each room, for instance, one space was fitted with permanent tile pedestals rising 12” off the ground and had electrical outlets in the floors. The space was organized so the natural pathways would avoid these areas. Artwork was hung at eye level and information of the sponsored children was placed approximately 3’ off the floor so young children could read the information. Large scale panels and photographs were hung at different levels, some reaching down to the floor to create a visual rhythm and to allow the viewer to view the images and panels up close.
