Author: Chrislynn Brownlee
During my academic career as a University of Pittsburgh undergrad, I have taken many art classes that have allowed me to analyze and critique many different genres and collections of art at local museums and galleries. I’ve learned to maintain the role of an observer and critique the final artwork or exhibition when necessary, often considering whether the curatorial decisions of an exhibition display – like text panels, pamphlets, and layout– aligned with the overall narrative the show is aiming to display. However, in that role, I often did not receive the entire background of how these exhibitions originated. I was not a part of the curation process, actively trying to conquer the limitation of the museum space and other challenges a show may pose. Who would have thought that I would end up in that very role?
For the 2023 spring semester, I interned for the University Art Gallery (UAG) at the University of Pittsburgh. For my signature project, I worked closely with the UAG director Sylvia Rhor to produce a layout plan for an upcoming national travel exhibition for spring 2024. The project was in its earliest stages and included over 50 bold, beautiful, and daring artworks, some relating to historical themes and others more personal to the artist. These works would need to be researched and organized in groups that fit our museum space accordingly but also help assert the key takeaways for the visitor set forth by the collection's donator. This aspect of preparation would be a large part of my internship, ultimately leading up to my production of a gallery installation mock-up for the first time, showcasing a “potential” final exhibition display to use as a base for the eventual installation.
The research portion of the project was no easy task but undoubtedly one of the most rewarding. I learned not only about the different artworks but the artist as well. The exhibition features some relatively well-known faces with a mix of new and emerging artists of this generation. All exploring identity, politics, and art history, while pushing the boundaries of artistic practice. My research would become a valuable tool to help me and those who continue working on the show. As it would help us understand and integrate themes between similar works and be able to make appropriate labels and programs coexist alongside them.
To create a mock gallery, I received help from my professor Alex Taylor for foundational steps. His guidance allowed me to scale down our gallery space and the artworks to envision different layouts. Making the layout would be tricky, as we had to think about "dead zones," what people see first, what they see together, what consistent theme emerges, and more. The task was fun for me and almost like completing a puzzle. Every artwork was carefully analyzed and organized on the mock galley until a satisfying exhibition plan unveiled itself.
During my time at the UAG, I have gained valuable curatorial development and research skills that helped me learn about the gallery experience behind-the-scenes. I learned how much research and preparation is needed to create an experience that is equally exciting and educational for the visitor. This opportunity has allowed me to gain an incredible amount of respect and understanding for curatorial fieldwork, which I hope I can continue to do within my career field.
Chrislynn Brownlee, Museum Studies intern at the University Art Gallery, Spring 2023