Interdisciplinary Approaches 1

Interdisciplinary Approaches Installation

I am beginning to consider a variety of potential methods for future installations. The themes are technical through connections to other disciplines.

 My initial thoughts are to ensure that the display contains formal elements, showing educational information. Selecting pieces based on clear meaning, what fits together and reveals unique opportunities for installation. 

I decided to display a series of tyre etchings and jars containing stickers. The jars were chosen to add another link between the design and the experiment they’re based on, a rat used to test breathing of oxygenated water. Both pieces were inspired by biological and marine biological methods and themes. Their theme of science they pair well together. Showing human impact on science by displaying what people are researching (with aims to change).  

When working out how to display these pieces, I tried many organisational options. Experimenting with the layout with both items at a time was important for effective installation. Allowing them to coexist and complement each other.

The easiest way I found organisation experimentation was to lie the pieces on the floor. This allowed me to alter spacing and order easily and without hassle of harm. I tried many combinations of placements, ending on the tyres in a vertical line with measured spacing on one board, and the jars placed on a table next to it. Next, I held the tyre etchings next to the board to explore height, but realised that this placement wouldn’t be suitable. The etching background is a plain white and the print looked lost against the blank display board. 

This is when I came up with the idea to use a photo frame to create a clear and defined border. I chose one that’s a cool toned brown, with a wood grain effect. The murky, dull appearance linked well with the etching ink effect, whilst being dark enough to stand out against the white board. Using the frame meant that I had to compromise my initial plans of spacing between prints. I placed them below the glass of the frame and measured where I’d have to trim to effectively include as much printed detail as possible. After slotting all prints into the frame, I held it to the wall again to work out the height and spacing.

Here I had the idea to use a shelf below the frame to hold the jars. This would look more interesting than a simple desk, and could create more of a laboratory feeling. As if displaying experiments for observation, I’d be displaying my artistic response to an experiment instead. 

I chose to use a walled white shelf, a safety precaution to reduce risk of damaging the glass jars. The shelves’ colour blends into the white walls and allows the jars to stand out as the main point of focus. I made sure that the spacing between the shelf and the frame left a comfortable amount of room for the jars to be moved and closely observed if needed. 

Trial of final layout on floor, before installation.

When mounting these pieces to the wall, I used a tape measure, a spirit-level, screws and pins. These methods ensure that the pieces remain on the wall and aren’t impacted by the room’s fluctuating temperature. They also take into consideration the use of communal space, creating minimal damage that can be easily repaired.

Pieces installed and awaiting labels.