With the opening of the new Buffalo AKG Art Museum came new exhibitions. One of which being an early photography show curated by Holly Hughes entitled, "Through a Modernist Lens: Buffalo and The Photo Secession". This exhibition pays homage to the USA’s very first photography exhibition which was held at the museum in 1910, and includes the original works from that show, as well as archival materials from some of the world’s most prominent photographers of that time.
As lead designer on this exhibition, I had the opportunity to work with the curator to create a graphic identity that would enhance the themes and envisioned feeling of the exhibition.
The goal of the exhibition identity was to enhance the artwork by creating a space that immediately envelopes the visitor in the feeling that the photographs present.
When you take a moment to look at any one of the photographs in this show, there is a softness and a peaceful feeling within each little captured scene. The only limitation is in their size. I wanted to take this feeling that I felt looking at the artworks and make it present in a way that unavoidably draws the visitor in and encourages them to take a closer look.
The soft periwinkle (which is much less saturated in reality) surrounds the viewer in the same sense of peace, stillness and awe that washes over you when you look at the artworks. We utilized the physical structure of the room to add to this feeling by choosing to wrap the curved wall in vinyl, rather than the flat back wall, so the visitor is enveloped in the artwork sort of like a hug.
Included in the scope of this project was a title wall, printed exhibition guide, object labels, archival material reproductions, case labels, and floor to ceiling blow-up photos spanning the whole gallery.
The exhibition identity continues to be applied throughout the museum in varying formats such as digital signage, printed takeaways for visitors, social media, etc.
Images provided by the Buffalo AKG Art Museum and were taken by Brenda Beiger.
