African American Museum in Philadelphia Object

Bronze Belted Two Star, 2011
Christopher Carter
25 x 35 inches
Bronze, hinges & acrylic

During my visit to the African American Museum in Philadelphia, I chose this art piece by Christopher Carter.  This is an object that is an artist's interpretation of events in history.  It is made out of bronze, hinges, and acrylic.  According to the education director at the museum, the objects the artist uses are found in historic places, and have meanings relevant to social, political, and personal narratives.  All of the objects in this exhibition are supposed to be sculptures of flags, and this piece has a clear representation of a flag.  This object would be important to anyone who is interested in art, and how the meaning of objects can deliver a meaning through artistic interpretation. 

This object is on display because it directly relates to the museum's mission and deals with the history of African Americans from the start of this country.  This might also be why it was acquired.  Another reason might be the aesthetic quality of the piece.  The colors, and composition are simply beautiful, and would attract many visitors' eyes.  From my interpretation, most of the works on display in this exhibit are very emotion filled and convey the struggles of African Americans throughout history.  This  object in particular does not seem to convey these struggles in such a clear way, but if I knew the context and history of the materials used in this piece it would be easier to attribute meaning to it. 

In a room full of "flags" this object clearly represents that theme, while other objects are constructed of other elements such as rope and wood, that give the exhibition a ship-like subject.  Because the other pieces on display look like items from ships, this could be representing the history of ships and African Americans in the slave trade.  Thinking of that, this object should be thought about more in depth within the context of the other objects.  The label on this object only gives the title, size, and medium that this piece is made out of.  Unfortunately, I could not find the audio portion of this exhibition and therefore I cannot relate contextual information to this piece.  The lack of information provided to the viewer could be an intentional choice from the museum or the artist.  In the gallery there are sheets of paper that prompt visitors in thinking about the works and attributing personal understanding to them.  

Some visitors might not be inclined to look further into the meaning of the art, but the museum does provide further resources for people to get a better understanding.  Also, I think understanding the artist and his methods in creating works would further a person's understanding on the subject.  Here is a link to learn more about Christopher Carter's work.  It might also be good to understand sculpture and how artists choose objects to create work from.  Visitors who need more factual information might not be interested in this work, as well people who do not like art might find it difficult to interpret or understand.  

It might be interesting to learn how historians would interpret Carter's work, because there would be a lot of information that could be associated with these objects, maybe even some that the artist had not intended.  I think that it would be interesting to learn how others are interpreting Carter's work as well. It would be interesting to have visitors write about what they think and explore through his work.  This could be done by placing a writing station in the gallery, or even next to different pieces.  It was a very interesting exhibition to explore and talk about interpretation.      

Penn Museum Object

Palette of Narmer (reproduction)
Egyptian Section

During my visit at the Penn Museum, I spent a lot of time trying to figure out which object to write about.  This is the Palette of Narmer, a famous example of Egyptian writing and hieroglyphs.  The Penn Museum has reproduction of this object on display, to demonstrate the different forms of writings and stories that can be deciphered from relief images such as this.  This object would be important to anyone who is studying Egyptian culture, language, or symbolism.  It was most likely acquired in order to demonstrate the way in which ancient Egyptians portrayed their kings, and the symbols used that discern that this was indeed about King Narmer.       

The object is displayed in a case alongside other objects that demonstrate different writings and hieroglyphs.  All of the objects are in a display case, and the Palette of Narmer is actually on the left side of the case.  The way in which it is positioned makes it difficult for viewers to see the detail on the surface of this object.  Because there is not a very descriptive label or panel about this single object, the artifacts surrounding it are supposed to convey the message of this piece.  I think that there should be more information given about the symbols in this work, because it truly demonstrates the way in which Egyptians represented their kings.  

For example, the name of the king is known because it can be found between the two Hathor faces on the very top register.  Also, we can discern that it is a king because of the size of the central figure compared to the other people in the image.  Not only that, but it can be determined which kingdom this king was from (Upper and Lower) based on the style of his hat.  None of that information was provided by the museum, the palette was only mentioned on a identification panel that said it was a reproduction, that it was an example of hieroglyphs, and that it was c. 3000 BC.  Because the other objects near the Palette of Narmer are also examples of hieroglyphs, visitors can deduce that this is as well, but there is not much mentioned about the meanings of the images.  Here is more information about the symbolism used on the Palette of Narmer. 

Archaeology and the study of Ancient Egypt would definitely enrich my understanding of this object.  I would like to know how this object was discovered and how the meaning of these symbols were determined.  Many people are fascinated by Egyptian history and I think that knowledge that is required to discern the meanings of objects like this is extremely interesting and would be enchanting to many others.  Someone who might not be interested in this object would be those who do not find replicas appropriate in museums.  I think that in instances like this, it is just fine to not have the original because the meaning of the object can still be understood.  People who are only seeking authenticity would be let down by the fact that this object is not an original.

I wish it were possible to understand the actual and true meaning and use of this object.  Historians attribute meaning to writings such as this, but it would be great to know if the attributions are actually 100% correct.  That would be an opposing view that would tell a different story.  I also would like to know more from the people who found the object and those who deciphered its meaning.  Perhaps they would have more information than what I have learned in basic art history courses.   

In order to engage viewers with this object, I would suggest developing more didactic information so that visitors can understand hieroglyphs.  I think it would also be interesting to have a scavenger hunt (I know it is a bit overdone in museums, but it's still fun) that would start off by informing visitors about the different style hats of upper and lower Egypt, and other common representations of kings.  Then it would encourage visitors to see how many different examples of hats and royal images that they can find in the Egyptian galleries.  Visitors can identify which kings they think are being represented, and which part of the country they ruled in.  Even though this object is not authentic, I think there can be a lot of educational implementations developed from it.                     

American Philosophical Society Object

Nocturne (Written for the night)
Tempus Fugit: Time Flies
Antonia Contro
2012

The "object" that I have chosen at the American Philosophical Society is "Nocturne" which is window #4 of the Tempus Fugit: Time Flies exhibition.  This "window" includes multiple objects that are all related to the passing of time and scientific contributions to the field of astronomy and how it relates to time.  The artist who designed the entire exhibition at the APS is Antonia Contro, and in each of the nine windows there are historic objects along side with Antonia's artistic interpretation of those objects.     

This object is important to those who are interested in science and how time has been recorded in the past, and how theories about time have developed over the years.  It might also be very important for people who have an appreciation for art installations and artistic interpretations.  This window is on display because it fits into the theme of "Time Flies," because it holds examples about how specific people recorded the passing of time (based on lunar and astronomical events).  The historic items that are in this display were not acquired with the intent to be displayed alongside an artist's interpretation, but to be an informative piece of work to convey some type of information to people.  Also, they were intended to be a reference to the scientific work of those who have shaped the field.  But despite that, it is now displayed in this way.  The objects in this case interact with each other as if they are all communicating information from one to the next.  

Theorica Verdadeira Das Mares
(Treatise on the true theory of tides)
Jacob de Castro Sarmento, London, 1737

Cosmographicus Liber Petri Apaiani
Mathematici Studiose Collectus
Peter Apian, 1524

The books in this window are all open and frozen in the position as if someone were reading them.  It is a great source to be able to see first hand the writings of these famous manuscripts.  

There are not any labels or panels in the entire exhibition that provide information to the importance of these objects.  This makes it extremely difficult for visitors to understand what the artist was trying to do in designing this exhibition.  Also, visitors might not even be aware that this is an artist's installation, or what the objects actually are.  Visitors might not want to return to the APS because they might believe that this is the type of exhibition that is always at the museum.  Most of the APS's visitors are tourists and others who are visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.  These visitors are most likely not interested in this object, because they might want to see the historical relevance of the objects, and be provided with content and information.  Also, the members of the museum have expressed distaste for the style of this exhibition, especially since they are all scholarly people that are interested in facts rather than artistic interpretation.  However, there is an artist's statement that can be found on the wall that mentions the purpose or intent of this exhibition.  There are also small paragraphs that explain each "window," but they are written in a way that also involves interpretation from the viewer.  People who are looking for factual information might not appreciate this type of representation.     

In order to enrich my understanding of this aspect of the exhibition, I would be interested in learning more about Peter Apian and Jacob de Castro Sarmento.  It would be interesting to know what their theories and observations contributed to the field.  Peter Apian's observation of a lunar eclipse on October 28, 1547 is listed on NASA's website as the longest partial lunar eclipse.  It would also be good to know how the artist decided to place these objects.  What was her thought process, and how did she choose each historic piece.  The interesting aspect of this installation, is that all visitors will have a different perspective or narrative to the objects.  Because there are not any labels, visitors have to make personal connections to the works.  This was intended by Antonia Contro and it might be a way for people to reflect on how time is experienced differently by everyone.  

I think that based on the visitation that the APS gets, there should have been some type of signage within the exhibition to enable visitors to take something away from it.  When people go to a museum, they want to be presented with some type of information and see important and interesting objects.  Even though there are great number of important things that can be found in this exhibition, people are unaware of what they are looking at.  It might also be good to present a lecture by Antonia Contro in order for visitors and members of the APS to grasp the inent of this exhibition.  I really like that the American Philosophical Society is trying to broaden its audience by bringing in different types of exhibitions, but I think that there should be a progression in order for this type of show to be a success.       

The Academy of Natural Sciences Object

Walk Like a Dinosaur Exhibit

The object that I chose is the treadmill and dinosaur mechanism that makes up the "Walk Like a Dinosaur Exhibit."  This interactive can be very important for visitors that are seeking a hands on experience in the museum.  Children could particularly be interested in the object, because it forces them to engage with the information to fully understand how dinosaurs would move based on the alignment of their bones and joints.  Exhibiting information in this way allows for the visitors to have a visual understanding of the information that is being presented, and therefore can reach a broader sense of learners.  Not everyone can read a panel of information, or they do not want to read every single panel.  It is good to have materials for visitors to have an experience with.  I can assume that this is why it was included in the gallery.     

This object is displayed near real dinosaur bones so that visitors can connect the information that is being supplied with the real objects that are on display.  The label mentions how the bones are located right next to this exhibit, and it is written so that any visitor could understand and convey the information.  However, it might be difficult for young visitors to understand the term "vertebrate," and it is written a couple times on the panel.  But it could be easily explained by parents or adult visitors based on the information provided.

Paleontology is a subject that would definitely further my knowledge of this subject as well as biology.  It is important to know how species evolve and based on the fossils of dinosaurs, it shows us a species that is completely unknown.  It would also be good to understand the history and evolution of Earth over billions of years and how that effected the fossilization of these creatures.  A good website that outlines the this process can be found here.  Also, it would be good to know about geology and what types of climates these creatures were living in and how that impacted their skeletal structures.        

People who might not be interested in this object would be those who are physically not capable of operating it.  Also, it might be something that is uninteresting to those who believe that dinosaurs are some kind of conspiracy.  Although, I think that the amount of people who believe this are very slim in population.  People that do not learn through hands on experiences might not recognize the importance of this educational tool.  They might just view it as a fun aspect of the exhibit rather than an informative one.   

Currently, there are other types of interactives in the same exhibition space that demonstrate how different dinosaurs moved.  It allows for visitors to actually take the positions that dinosaurs would have walked in and take the steps that they have.  I think that it would also be good for imagery of these dinosaurs to be depicted, and also to have skeletal structures to be on display.  It might also be interesting to have a video display with graphics that depict the movement of a dinosaur while a person is operating the machine.  This would also enhance the engagement of visitors, by drawing attention to the exhibit and therefore more visitors would obtain the information.  Overall, this exhibit is really a great tool for visitors to interact with and engage with the information.  

The Academy of Natural Sciences

Please Touch Museum Object

ShopRite Supermarket in the City Capers Exhibit

I chose the ShopRite Supermarket space that is located in the City Capers Exhibit at the Please Touch Museum.  This "object" is a tool that is used by children to play and explore ideas and concepts that are adult.  This exhibit is intended to show children how cities work and how buying groceries contributes to the city.  Children find this object to be very important because performing adult tasks engages them and is also fun.  It is also important to parents because it good to see how children apply the things that they learn in public, into their own imaginations and play.

By setting up the ShopRite exhibit, children can take what they learn when they are at actual shopping markets with their parents and apply it in this display.  It is a way for the children to recognize that they know the roles that are needed, and then they take on the roles in order to fully understand how everything works.  This object was most likely acquired through funds contributed from ShopRite.  This is a way for the supermarket chain to receive advertising, as well allows the museum to educate children about society.   

The ShopRite Supermarket is displayed surrounded by other city exhibits; such as, a construction zone, Children's Hospital Medical Center, and a shoe store.  Having the supermarket placed near all of these other city spaces, it allows children to make the connection that these real-life places can be part of the make-believe playing.  Inside of the Supermarket are shopping carts, cash registers, and shelves stocked with groceries (empty boxes with real packaging). Children are free to roam around the grocery store with a shopping cart and take items off of the shelf and pretend to be purchasing them.  

Signage on top of the grocery shelves

The point of view that is on the signs in the ShopRite Supermarket are short phrases that tell the children to clean up after they are done playing in the market.  The wording is simple, and in the sign above, it rhymes.  It is short and simple so that older children can read it easily and that when parents read the signs to smaller children they will understand it more easily.  There were also flyers that parents could grab that had a recipe on it.  Not only are children being engaged in the museum setting, but they can also go home and bake with their families.   

 

In order to understand why the museum has exhibits such as this, it could be important to understand educational psychology and the different theories that mention developmental learning stages, different types of learning, and how children learn through the act of play.  Montessori is a psychologist that inspired the development of the Please Touch Museum, his theories are further explained here.  Older children might not be interested in this object because they have already furthered their understanding about these societal aspects.  Different psychological learning theories might tell a different story about this object.  One might think that children will not actually be learning anything through this type of experience, and therefore would eliminate the purpose of the museum.

I think that another way to get children engaged with this object would be to have a specific play time everyday that would ask any child who wants to participate to take the roles of the ShopRite staff and customers.  This would engage the children with each other and enhance what they might learn, because the children would be sharing knowledge that they might already have.  Overall, this exhibit is great and kids really love it!        

American Swedish Historical Museum Object

Interactive Within the Golden Map Room

While visiting the American Swedish Historical Museum I found the interactive tools in the Golden Map Room to be very interesting.  This object is outdated and could be updated to improve visitor interaction within the space, and also advance the accessibility of the information and material to the visitors.  Many visitors could find this object important, especially those who learn visually.  It is a way to deliver information to people, but because it is outdated I think all age groups will have a hard time making a connection with this object.  Also, I think that younger generations would simply be confused by the purpose of this object.  

Displaying this object is supposed to have an educational impact on visitors.  It was acquired in the 1980s when the room was designed and the dated style makes it even more apparent that the room is aged.  However, the reason behind the original use of this interactive is still relevant.  Education is the primary focus in many museums, and even if this is a dated tool, it could be just as much a historical aspect of the museum.      

The Golden Map Room consists of a large mural painting of a map that covers the walls in the entire room.  On tables that wrap around the room are multiple interactive tools that look just like this.  When a visitor pushes the button of one of these tools, the text is lit and a person can read the facts that are displayed.  The most interesting part of this interactive, in my opinion, is the image that lights up as well.  Each image can be found on a small portion of the wall map.  It was explained that on school tours students are encouraged to find the image on each interactive on the map.  This allows for students to get involved and actually see where Sweden and its territories were located.  In the Golden Map Room the lighting is very low, and the colors are very dark.  Having the lights dim is part of a way to conserve the delicate painting that is on the walls.  However, in combination with the dark red carpeting it might be harder for visitors to see every aspect of the room.  On the same note, it might just make it imperative for visitors to look harder.    
On the interpretive tool, the descriptive text is written so that most visitors can read and understand the information being presented.  They are written in short sentences so that the visitor can digest the information and then move onto the next fact.  Overall, I think that without this interactive tool, understanding about Swedish history would fall short through only analyzing the map.  This tool allows for connections to be made with the material relative to the locations that the historical events that were actually taking place during that time.     

World history would enrich my understanding of this object.  I am unsure of the events that were taking place in other countries that may have impacted the Swedish people and influenced them to travel to the United States.  With reference to other historical events, it would allow me to place the information and compare it to other aspects of history.  It would also be beneficial to understand Swedish customs (which can be learned through other exhibits and events that ASHM holds).  You can find information about what the museum has to offer here.  It was brought up during the class visit, that the different terminology to describe the native people could possibly be considered politically incorrect.  Understanding all of these things can only benefit the type of experience that a person can have during a visit to the American Swedish Historical Museum.  

 People that might not be interested in this object would be those who do not care to learn about Swedish History.  Also, I think that many people could agree that this object needs replaced in the museum with technology that is more advanced and can allow for more interaction with the visitors.  Younger generations would most likely have an ignorant understanding of the reason for having such an item.  An opposing idea is that it does not seem like it does much else than present information, similar to the way a panel or label does.  One might ask the question, why doesn't the museum just hang panels in the room or just display labels?  I believe that there is a good concept behind this idea because it engages visitors with the map, it just needs to be brought into the 21st century.    

One thing that would engage visitors further with this object would be to enhance its capabilities.  I would suggest that perhaps the museum should replace the outdated interpretive tool with something newer like iPads or audio and video stations, but that could become extremely expensive.  I would also say that the museum should display objects that are shown in the images right by the interactive tools.  This could be really difficult if the museum does not already have the objects.  Instead, it might be easier just to have a visitor response station set up in the room in order for visitors to reiterate what was learned in the space.  Or, the museum could develop an App for visitors to open on their cell phones.  All of these examples could add another dimension that The Golden Map Room does not currently have.   

Philadelphia Zoo Object

Decreasing Population of Sumatran Orangutans 

Visual Tool

The object that I chose to write about at the Philadelphia Zoo was a visual tool that explained to zoo visitors the decreasing population of wild Sumatran Orangutans since 1933, since the over consumption of Palm Oil.  Learn more about this issue by visiting The Orangutan Project and the Sumatran Orangutan Society. 

This tool is made up of two tubes that are filled with toy orangutans, with one representing the year 1933 and the other representing 2012.  The 1933 tube is very full and the 2012 tube has significantly less orangutans in it.   People who would find this tool very important are those who more readily retain information through visual observation.  It is also important to educators because it could be useful in presenting the information to a young audience.  Students could easily understand that there are a lot less orangutans in the environment now than there were before.  Then, it could be guiding students to ask questions about preventing the decline in population and possibly how we could help to increase the number of orangutans over the years.  The object is on display for that reason, to get visitors to understand how humans are negatively effecting the environment and what we can do to help this issue. 

This item was most likely designed by the exhibition team in order to convey the message about the negative effects of the consumption of palm oil.  This visual tool can be found in the Primate Reserve, on the second floor where the Palm Oil exhibit and information can be found.  This didactic tool is written in a way that can be easily understood by any visitor.  Children and adults can both easily grasp the concept with this imagery and text combination.  The placement of this objects is perfect, because visitors can actually observe the animals that are effected by palm oil consumption right there in front of them.  Not only does that put into perspective the subject of the material, but it also has an emotional effect on the visitors attending the exhibit.  After realizing that it is a life threatening problem to the animals, perhaps they might want to try and save the animals by lowering the consumption of palm oil, or just not using products that contain it at all.  I believe that was the intent of the exhibition designers in order to make a statement and demonstrate the human impact on nature and the environment. 

Biology and natural science might enhance my understanding of this topic a little more.  I know that animals are affected by their environments and humans can play a large role in destroying environments; however, I am unsure as to the extent of animal reliance on palm oil.  Also, I do not know what types of products we can use in replace of palm oil.  I think that showing the science behind all of this information could only benefit the visitors’ understanding of the material.  As long as it is presented in a way that all visitors could easily understand the material.  It might also be a good idea for the Zoo to have sources and brochures for people to learn how they can contribute to saving the rainforest.  There is also more information on the Rainforest Action Network's website, explaining this issue in further detail.  This site is also a way for people to get involved and help save the rainforest.      

An audience that might not be interested in this visual tool located in the Palm Oil exhibit, would be companies that use palm oil in their products.  This could be a problem for their business, if more people are educated about the subject.  Likewise, those companies might have a different story to tell.  They might make the point that there are too many products that rely on palm oil in the ingredients, and stopping the use of the product would dissatisfy customers, and destroy the economy.  Because the companies would have to most likely find materials to use that are more expensive than palm oil, there would be a dent in the market.  

To engage visitors with this information, I would develop a tool that could have an even larger emotional impact on visitors.  I would attempt to collect different types of product containers that contain palm oil in the ingredients.  This could have a huge effect on people, because then they could see how much they have contributed to the lowering population of Sumatran Orangutans.  Or it could even be more effective if there was a comparison of the number of products a household would consume in "x" amount of time that would contribute to the mortality of "x" number of orangutans.  This would definitely deliver the message that the Philadelphia Zoo is trying to convey through this visual tool and exhibit.