Embracing the Visitor

Is art a religious experience? Can you be 'baptized' in wonder upon discovering the power of a work?

It's happened to me ...



When I first saw this Rembrandt in Sweden, it was a very powerful moment. I felt chills. I'm not sure why, but I believe it had something to do how it was displayed and lit in the museum. The painting has a powerful glow, unfortunatly this small image doesn't do it justice.

It would be great if my idea for a temporary installation/modification (big tent?) could recreate this feeling in every person who visits, but that's very doubtful ... designing an emotional reaction and/or providing information about the inner workings of the museum: [keywords] religion: magic: wonder: power: discovery: wisdom

Some of the words here are far too concrete for my abstract ideas: for example, I use 'installation' but I have no idea if that is indeed what the final outcome will be ... maybe I should use front entrance or facade 'treatment.'

This idea board represents some ideas and images from two public religious spaces (one permanent and one temporary) I was influenced by in the process of conceptualizing ideas for the front entrance treatment for the Spencer.