Starburst Photo Show

PRESENTATION OF ART- ANALYSIS WORKSHEET

1. General Description of the Show

Starburst: Color Photography in America 1970-1980

A. The artists' name(s): Several artists including; Nan Goldin, Joel Meyerowitz, William Eggleston, Mitch Epstein, and Helen Levitt.

B. How many pieces are in the show: Many different collections each ranging from just a couple prints to some more than twenty prints.

C. Describe the location/context of the exhibition space: The gallery is within the Cincinnati Art Museum and set up like a maze so as to direct you through each collection. The walls are all white and the works are cleary separated and marked by the names of the artists and some statements on the walls.

D. Describe your perceptions on the content or idea behind the work: As a collective show of all these artists works, I feel like the directive behind it is the introduction, progression, and use of color in photography for these artists during 1970 through 1980. Each collection tells a different story, but collectively they work towards the same end of using color to expres themselves.

2. Give Detailed Descriptions of the Following:

A. The method of presentation of artwork (media of artwork, size of artwork, and how it is presented- frames, mats, pushpins, pedestals, etc.) Most of the works here are windo matted with white matts and then framed in plain black or white frames with glass overtop. They all vary in size from as small as two by two inches to as large as about three feet by four feet. Types of prints include: Chomogenic prints, dye transfer prints, offset lithography on a magazine page, projections, Cibachrome prints, polaroids, inkjet prints, pigment print and ektacolor print.

B. The nature of the exhibition space (size, shape, ceiling height, formal, informal, etc.) The walls in the space are generally all about one to two feet from the ceiling, where some vary slightly in height. They are all white walls and ceilings, with overhead lights being the sole source of light. There are some areas on the walls with the artists names and a short description of they’re work. There is wood flooring throughout the exhibition with openings and benches periodically to sit and page through the show’s catalougue. This is a very formal setting with high ceilings and lots of wide open space.

C. The type and nature of the lighting in the exhibition space Warm, yellow overhead lighting. Minimal shadows and some natural light pouring through from the one window.

D. The relationship of the art pieces to each other (physical and thematic) Thematically, the works are related through their use of color. Physically, each collection seems to be separated into it’s own space; however they are all the traditional square or rectangle matted and framed format with a few exceptions in the form of projections.

E. Other external factors (noise level, air currents, number of people in the space, etc.) The are is generally still and a little bit stuffy and warm. There are only a few people moving about the exhibit causing the sound of footsteps, jingling keys, and some muffled voices from time to time; but it feels like a wisper only environment.

3. How the Presentation Method Affects the Art (use the back, if necessary)

If you feel that the method used to present the work supports and enhances its meaning to the viewer, clarify the criteria upon which you are basing this opinion.If you feel that the method used to present the work detracts from and weakens its meaning to the viewer, clarify the criteria upon which you are basing this opinion.

I feel that the method of presentation strengthens and enhances the meaning of the work. The unity of the presentation and framing works to prevent any detraction from the overall theme of color while the slight separation of each individual collection allows the viewer to ponder about the specific intentions of the artists.