Comments on "The Costume
Connection:" This has images both conceptually and visually
interesting, especially since I enjoy this topic. It is interesting to look at not only
the costume, but its use in ceremony, and the significance of that ceremony. My only
complaint is that the third image, the Kwakiutl image, is black and white while the others
are in color; this detracts from the similarities and comparison of the three, and sets
the Kwakiutl apart from the other two images. Otherwise, the comparison among the
three images was made really easy: each image was of the same thing -- costumes.
Also, the ceremony behind each costume and the significance of both the costume as
well as the ceremony it was used in was explained through the in label and links,
and also through an appropriate title. The expectations of the introductory
statement -- to tell of the spirituality and traditions of the three different cultures
and just how the culture of each is conveyed through costume and ceremony -- were met in
the information provided through labels. Information was also appropriately
documented.(LD) |
"The Costume Connection" was the
next exhibit I evaluated. First off, the title wasnt especially captivating. In
addition, the images (the most important factor in this whole project, I believe) did not
work well together. The theme was costume, and the costumes pictured were not isolated
well enough in my opinion. The links should have been utilized for supplemental
information, but instead I looked at the links to see if there was any information about
the costumes, their design, and their meaning. I didnt find as much explained as I
had hoped. (DE) |
"The Costume Connection" did
not have a good choice of pictures, because the images would have looked better if they
were all the same color. The conceptual point was good. The labels and links were helpful.
(JS) |
"The Costume Connection," attempted
to illustrate the link between ceremonial costumes from the three cultures represented.
Visually, the images fit together nicely. All show the costumes in a ceremonial
context. The common link between the objects was their functionality, though perhaps
a stronger connection could have been made. This concept is described in the introduction,
but this could have been further explored in the labels. The links add to the viewer's
appreciation and understanding of the exhibit. (CS) |
The segment on costumes pointed out that
these costumes were used in traditional and spiritual events, such as pig festivals and
Egungun Masquerades, which helped to abstractly connect the images through their use. It
was interesting to think about how costume is used in the West and the differences with
these three cultures. However, in the introduction it was also mentioned that the costumes
"enhance and transform beings in order to tell a story." I don't think
this connection was well represented in the label copy or links. The symbolic idea of
transformation needed more development in the links. I did not get a sense of each
culture's differences in beliefs from what was presented. (AW) |