While being a part of the installation, I would have considered changes to the layout of the pieces. I feel there where some risk taking compared to the tradional gallery or museum setup, One being the piece you first encounter though I think it sets the tone of the show to have you engage right off. The placement could cause bottle necking if there is a large group viewing, yet consideration was discussed about the spacing allowing for room to view each piece from all sides. Knowing the artist's request to have the two larger pieces balance the space it started the process of layout. The break of the flooring is a challenge visual making the other pieces more crowed on the carpeted area.
The pieces are sturdy for the most part yet are made up of so many parts some being quite fragile. Unpacking and packing will be a challenge. Vanesse uses found objects (antiques) will processes to build the pieces whether plaster and carpentry to assemble.
While placing the hanging pieces we used the gallery standard measurement for opitimal viewing. The scuplture labeling may not be ideal with the viewer having to look for the label since they are not uniform on each pedestal.
It may be difficult for a person using a wheelchair or walker especially if there are others in the space,but I don't see major safety issues if the visitor is aware of surroundings.
The typography is bold and readable.
Vanessa German's work is a bold statement and the typography works with the work.
The visual unity is in the theme of the work with stripes of the flag, the colors she chooses, the figures that she portrays in the scuplture and the fabric pieces. German references history of the Bitter Root of the African Americans from the woman view point.
The work is remincent of Folk Art that was a popular artform during the time of slavery in this country.
The message of the show talks about the pains of a group of people in hopes of healing through understanding and restoration.
The exhibition is a whole there is not a beginning point except for the entry where you are introduce to the name and starting images on the baby shirts that is perfect in that our stories start at birth and are our roots. Vanessa didn't have a point of viewing that she asked to have the work displayed,so one could start in what ever direction they want to choose making a narrative unique to each individual.
I personally like the setup that allows one to move intimating with each piece as one in the midst of a gathering.
People under 25 can experience a time that isn't familiar and gain new understanding. The work isn't as comtempory and conceptual in which the culture is immersed and may not have an appeal to younger people without the artist's talk.
It can bring to surface some of the past feelings and prejudices a person over 25 had heard or grown up with in society or even within their homes.
I believe a person can share their experiences but words are only one type of experience face to face with art bring deeper meaning.
The floor of the gallery would be one flowing medium maybe concrete. The entry should be all windows to draw in the passerby. Right now the entry is not as inviting as it could be.
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