The Installation

Following is my vision of the ideal setting for the installation of the Human Resources Project. The paintings are to be hung in a room separated from all other work. The room is 500 to 1000 square feet, allowing viewers a perspective from a distance first, and then room to approach the work at their own pace.

Installation in room approximately 500 to 1000 square feet

Each painting is hung on its own wall, thereby utilizing three walls of the room, and placing as much space around each work as possible. Due to the depth of transparent layers these paintings are best viewed under a good deal of light, though the ambient lighting of the room should be comparably dim. Also the feeling of "being under a spotlight" will potentially add to the visitors' experience when asked to come forward and touch each work.

One or more web cameras are installed in the ceiling of the room, aimed at the paintings. The cameras will provide a live feed to the web community www.TheHRproject.net, so that interaction with the paintings may be viewed by anyone outside the museum, with a connection to the Internet. Also, images of this live feed are captured and saved at recurring intervals so that I may later observe the experience of the viewers and touchers in more detail. Click here to view a sample webcam currently set up in my studio.

A podium set to one side of the room contains a brief statement explaining that the room is being videotaped and projected live over the Internet, and that patrons are encouraged to touch the artwork. The URL www.TheHRproject.net is also given, with a brief description of the web community.

A yellow taped line on the floor denotes a perceived barrier to the viewer…a space they will assume they are not to enter. When viewers are in the room, museum staff are asked to approach the viewers and explain to them that the artist has requested all viewers of the work are to move within the yellow line, and to touch the surface of the painting. Gallery Attendants or Docents may further explain that through this act, the visitor is adding to the surface of the painting.

Guidance for Gallery Attendants and Docents

  1. Kindly ask patrons to stand within the 3' security line created around the perimeter of each painting.
  2. If patron stands within the designated perimeter, invite them to touch the painting.
  3. Do not demonstrate touch techniques unless ask to do so by patrons.
  4. Patrons should be encouraged to photograph the work if they have a camera. Use of the flash is allowed, and even encouraged if needed.
  5. Security guards may be intimidating in stature and position, but are asked to present a welcoming expression and attitude to patrons at all times.