The Convoluted and the Contemporary at the Crocker.

Considering that design is a form of communication, one would assume that design should be able to effectively portray its intended message to its viewers. In the Crocker Art Gallery in Sacramento, California, visitors can view a plethora of European and California artwork on the second floor. However, prospective visitors should be aware of the slightly overwhelming layout of this particular exhibit. Set up in the design of the “salon style,” the collection of paintings – ranging from landscapes to portraits – adorns the walls of the room from ground to ceiling in a randomized fashion [picture below].

(Personal photo)

This “salon style” hanging of artwork was commonly used in Paris Salon exhibits up until the late nineteenth century. Believe it or not, there is actually an underlying strategy behind the chaos of the Salon style layout – the key artworks of the collection hang at eye level, while the less significant works fill up the remaining space. Although the design behind this setup is not obvious to viewers, its strategic format affects how viewers perceive the artwork.

In a museum, not only is the layout of a museum exhibit important, but the design of the artworks themselves is significant as well. Any type of design portrays a message/meaning, which can be successfully represented to viewers. For example, in the Crocker Art Gallery, there is a work by Richard Notkin called “All Nations Have Their Moments of Foolishness" [picture below].

(Personal photo)

The theme of humanity’s doomed fate is portrayed through Notkin’s careful utilization of skulls and the domino effect in the numerous tiles of the overall mural of George W. Bush. Compelling political messages such as the one lying in Notkin’s tiled mural of President Bush are portrayed to the public through the design technique of visual literacy.