PROJECT 3: Art Gallery - Model Analysis and Final Narrative

FINAL NARRATIVE:

A solemn, reflective space, with the sole intention of heightening and evoking an array of emotions and feelings, developed through the interpretation of unique, miscellaneous Aboriginal art and its glorification as well as through the spaces in which these are contained.


I had the intention of conveying the ideas I had gathered from the keywords mentioned earlier:

- Bohemian: My building, although "conforms" to the general 'box-like' structure of surrounding buildings, is non-conformist in the sense that its facade is made out of glass/glazing and that the rest of the building is made out of reinforced concrete. It also "challenges" the Art Deco style (by not mmaking use of it) and is mainly intended to allow the public to take notice of the Aboriginal mural (an integral element that contributes to my art gallery). The art gallery stands as an autonomous structure.

- Expressive stimulation: In order for the public to find an appreciation for Aboriginal art, an ambience needs to be created so as to enable one to experience some form of emotional stimulus. I find that today still, Aboriginal culture is not fully understood (and will probably never be completely comprehended), however, this "ignorance" should be minimised.

I tried to create a sequence of space that would make the public realise what Aboriginal people had endured in the past up until now. For example, on the ground floor, the maze-like circulation is intended to exhibit a sense of confusion (what Aboriginals would have felt upon determining the White people's real intentions). This confusion is heightened with the different heights of the walls. The spaces between the walls also fluctuate in terms of width.

This space then leads to the underground space (which is meant to symbolise the community succumbing to the White invasion), a very dark experience for them. This space can hold video installations dealing with those issues or small sculptures (David Malangi's 'Gurrmirringu and his wife') - the room is very dimly lit, with only spotlights on certain areas as either a form of display for an artwork or to lead the public from one place to another.

The first floor (with the courtyard) illustrates the positive change that has occurred between the Aboriginal community and the non-Indigenous Australians. the stairs slowly lead you up, the in-built display tables are in a t-shape, encouraging you to make your way to the courtyard - the open air - a new beginning.

- Purpose: “I have a dream” - what has been reflected and conveyed is justified with that phrase. The artists produced artwork as a means to speak out, feeling that they would be able to make people aware of their past. They persevered and never gave up.

- Solemn Monumentality: The use of different spaces (underground, courtyard/open space, different wall heights, the play with space height) all helped to convey that idea. This was emphasised with the neutral and Minimalist approach (the materials used were kept to a minimum - only reinforced concrete and glass).

- Glorification: Also similar to 'solemn monumentality', the artworks were glorified either through the use of light (e.g.: underground space) and through the Minimalist approach (only concrete was used so that in terms of colour, it was all subdued and neutral so that the colourful Aboriginal artworks could stand out.