Research into Online Gallery Exhibitions

Collection Overview Interfaces

Here I found some different variations, but all very similar in the end, covering from selection tables, flashing images of artwork, static image and name, scroll wheels to opening slideshows. The examples below were some choices I found smart and elegant. 

Image Selection Interfaces

Below are three different table and interface variations. For the basic selection screen with a page full of visible paintings and the title and artists name. Then there is a more detailed version in which the table is ordered alphabetically, as well as adding short descriptions to the image in comparison to the previous. Lastly I chose the large preview version with detailed descriptions about the painting and artist on the right and other image options below. Most online exhibitions are using one of these, or similar, methods to portray the artwork. So nothing fancy and the viewer can fully concentrate on viewing the art pieces.

Showcasing my Personal Artwork

So I decided to also stick to a simple structure for the Abertay Digital Graduate Show. I am planning on adding a slideshow or showreel covering my 2D illustrations though to show my personal progression over the year in terms of craftsmanship and aesthetic vision.

Some further Research into Layout Options for the Graduate Show

Creating a Traditional Gallery Experience for the Showcase

Exhibition Layout

Resource List

• PC
• Wall space
• Pedestal or table

Visual Presentation

• Visual project
• Showcase strong visuals rather than large amount of text
• if the visitors are interested in the project they will be able to read more about the project on the PC as well as have a look through my sketchbooks (and possibly art portfolio)
• Attract the visitors attention
• Keep the wall organized and balanced
• Avoid hanging up to much to retain a clear overview and presentation
• also means only the best work will be selected for the wall

Beneath is a concept design of how I could present my artwork at the Abertay Digital Graduate Show.

Exhibition Research - Spatial Utilisation in Art Exhibitions

The way you present your work in space can have a big impact on the viewers experience. During my research I therefore came across a large variety of different layouts and use of space. Some of the scenes were very engaging and aesthetic. Here are a few variations of scale I chose to add to this research post as each images uses space in a different way to achieve an effect on its scale.

Here a large panorama canvas for a long continuous art piece filling up the room with colours on its horizontal plane.

Now the opposite with individual "blocks" and solely one standard vertical portrait per "block". Both of these two images fill up the whole room with their art though, just in a different way.

 Following these two examples I now chose two exhibition spaces with contrasting themes. The image above shows very crowded and seemingly unorganised walls creating a very crowded feeling in the passageway. The picture below however shows a minimalist approach with small pictures on the wall leaving the room with an empty empty.

And the final image below shows large abstract paintings that first achieve their full expression in large scale.

So there are many options in terms of layout possibilities. I will just have to see which method will work out best for my project in the end. Logically the wall space will also be limited as the showcase will take place at our university, so I will have to take these restrictions into account as well.

Exhibition Research - First Thoughts

My honours project is basically a 2D illustrative project. Therefore my core research will address art galleries and museums and how they present 2 dimensional art projects in their exhibitions. Then later on I will undertake further research into online exhibitions and galleries as well as interface choices for the digital aspect of the showcase.

Typical Layout

Here are some typical exhibition examples of traditional and modern arts galleries. First some classical examples:

 Now some modern presentation examples:

Momentarily my project is still focusing a lot on the adaptation of traditional painting techniques and craftsmanship skills, so a classical mood/atmosphere might fit quite nicely to the artworks despite them being digital and therefore prints instead of canvases.

In my sketchbook I also made a list with some ideas and research areas I could look into for the showcase. Here's the scanned list: