Reflection on Exhibition and Art Practice Now: On View/Behind the Scenes. Collections

Abstract

This course is not offered in HS20.The seminar takes a closer look at different forms of presentations and various ways of depositing holdings behind the scenes, including those of Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich. Besides, the seminar will focus upon the impact of the specific character of a collection as well as of architecture.

Objective

Students gain knowledge of different types of collections of selected museums. On approximately three to four museum visits (partly out of Zurich), they will engage themselves with forms of presentation of collections (for example classic exhibition halls for holdings or open storages) on one hand, and with requirements concerning an adequate storage of works of art on the other hand. These explorations enable students to understand the structures and forms of storages of collections, not least architecturally.

Content

Where and how are – often very large – holdings in art museums stored if they are not on view? In what way do museums show their own works nowadays, and which strategies do they apply to avoid the negligence of the collection in comparison to the popular temporary exhibitions? Since art museums as institutions have been established in the 18th century, requirements and expectations in conjunction with collections have changed considerably. The students acquire knowledge on the basis of collections of various museums, among them the Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich, how holdings are presented to the public, or else how they are stored behind the scenes. Furthermore, they discuss different solution approaches and their implications on architecture and – vice versa – the impact architecture has on storage and presentation.

Resources