Weaving Narratives in Museum Galleries

Have you ever walked through a museum and felt truly transported? Thomas P. Campbell, former director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, understands the power of curation. It's not just about displaying art; it's about crafting a narrative, a story that resonates with the viewer and brings the art to life.

The Art of Seeing: Beyond Jargon and Classification

Campbell recounts a lesson from his art history supervisor, Petro, who emphasized the importance of seeing rather than just classifying art. Petro's fear was that formal art training could fill people with jargon, preventing them from truly experiencing the artwork. He urged his students to:

Ask basic questions: What is it? How was it made? Why was it made? How was it used?
Remember that all art was once contemporary.
Trust their eyes and instincts.

This approach encourages a deeper connection with the art, moving beyond labels and into genuine understanding.

Tapestries: More Than Just Decoration

Campbell's "Eureka moment" came when studying the art of the Courts of Northern Europe. While paintings, sculptures, and architecture were heavily discussed, tapestries were often overlooked. However, historical documents revealed their significance. Tapestries were:

Ubiquitous: Found everywhere between the Middle Ages and the 18th century.
Portable: Easily rolled up and transported, transforming cold interiors into richly colored settings.
Propaganda: A vast canvas for patrons to depict heroes or even themselves.
Expensive: Requiring skilled weavers, time, and precious materials like wool, silk, gold, and silver.

Tapestries were a potent form of visual communication in an age when images were rare.

Creating an Experience: The Tapestry Exhibition

As a curator at the Metropolitan Museum, Campbell organized a groundbreaking tapestry exhibition. The challenge was to present this "unknown subject" to a modern audience. The exhibition design focused on:

Dark colors to highlight the remaining colors in the tapestries.
Strategic lighting to accentuate silk and gold threads.
Engaging labels to draw the audience into complex narratives.

The goal was to slow viewers down, encouraging them to explore the intricate details and stories woven into each tapestry. Despite initial skepticism, the exhibition was a resounding success, proving that a well-curated experience can captivate and educate.

The McQueen Show: Where Fashion Meets Art

Campbell also highlights the Alexander McQueen exhibition as an example of powerful curation. Following McQueen's death, curator Andrew Bolton felt compelled to create a show that captured the designer's raw brilliance. The exhibition was far from a standard installation. The galleries were transformed into:

A recreation of McQueen's first studio.
A Hall of Mirrors.
A curiosity box.
A sunken ship.
A burnt-out interior.

With videos and soundtracks ranging from operatic arias to the sounds of pigs, the costumes became "actors and actresses" in an immersive theatrical experience. By channeling McQueen's vision, the exhibition transcended fashion, becoming a phenomenon that resonated deeply with visitors.

The Enduring Power of Museums

In an age of ubiquitous information and digital media, Campbell argues that museums remain essential. They offer:

The authenticity of the object.
Passionate scholarship.
Face-to-face encounters with art and history.

Museums provide a space to unpack civilizations, understand cultures, and connect with people across time and space. They foster contemplation, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Breaking Down Elitism: Making Art Accessible

Campbell acknowledges that museums can be intimidating places. He strives to break down the sense of elitism, creating an environment where visitors feel comfortable exploring the unfamiliar. Whether it's a Greek sculpture, a dog pooping in a tapestry, or the figures in a Renaissance painting, art has the power to connect us to our shared humanity.

By trusting our instincts and engaging with art on a personal level, we can unlock its transformative potential and discover new perspectives on the world.