Vishwa Patel - MAKING From the Sea/From the Past MORE ACCESSIBLE TO VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE

MAKING From the Sea/From the Past MORE ACCESSIBLE TO VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE

BY VISHWA PATEL

In Nancy Newton’s exhibition, From the Sea/From the Past, at Propeller Gallery, she explored, in some of these works, her interpretation and approaches to landscape - including the ocean and forests – with the aid of music. In this exhibition, it was apparent her affinity for and connection with the natural world. 

In this interpretive proposal, let's explore some ideas on how From the Sea/From the Past could be more accessible to visually impaired people, both in the physical exhibition and in an online presence. 


Methodology:

There are a few different approaches I have thought of for this exhibition…


1: QR CODES: Beside each painting would be a QR code that is meant to lead viewers to a document with the exhibition text, description of the painting (with its textures, colours, shapes), and an audio recording of the text being read out loud. 


The paper of the QR code could be handmade; ingrained with wood fibers, pressed leaf bits, sand, etc. This would give it more of a personal artist’s touch, as it relates well with Newton’s exhibition theme. It would also stand out from the traditional clear stickers used in galleries, and would be interesting to experience. 


Example of real world usage of QR code in an exhibition


How handmade paper looks like QR code on paper


Mockup of how this exhibit can look with QR code




2: PHYSICAL GUIDES: In the gallery at the start of the exhibition would be a section for booklets of guides for the exhibition. Includes normal print, large print, braille with pictures of artwork. Braille would have just the description of the physical work. 



Mockup of how a physical guide could look like

3: AUDIO DESCRIPTION: Artist would record a short audio description of each work. In the background of each work could be ambient noise of whatever environment the artist painted of. Such as sea sounds for From the Sea and leaves rustling and wind for From the Past. For a multi sensory experience and for a little more of an artist touch. 


4: WEBSITE: Website would be available through scanning the QR code at the gallery, through a section from the gallery website, gallery socials, artist socials, and the artist’s website. Audio descriptions would be available on the website and would be easy to navigate. 

Mockup of how the website for the exhibit which is scanned by QR code or accessed through the online artist and/or gallery website is viewed. 



Why is it important and why this? 

As a person with visual impairment, over time I have noticed how traditional physical art exhibitions can sometimes not be so accessible to this community; from small texts to lack of other visual aids. The ideas in this proposal would not only benefit visually impaired people of all stages but also most other people who would like to have alternate ways of accessing an exhibition if they choose to do so. The ideas in this proposal would also teach the audience that art can be experienced in different ways than the way its been in the formal contemporary art space for years.


These ideas do require a little more effort than a regular exhibition but it ensures a more accessible experience for a wider audience on both social media and in the gallery. Furthermore, these ideas not only help just the visually impaired community but also others.

 

For example, I noticed from pictures of the exhibition that the label for each piece is very small print (which is standard) and in general could be hard to read for people such as those very tall or those in wheelchairs, or those who just prefer to read from their phones. QR codes or an exhibition website would be beneficial for all audiences in this case. 


Also, if someone is unable to go to the physical exhibition, they can still get an experience through the website with audio descriptions and high quality photos. This allows for more of a reach and engagement outside of Toronto. 


In the physical exhibition, the audience will be more engaged especially through the QR codes where they in a way are interacting with the exhibit. Audio descriptive tour with music and adds a personal touch of the artist in it, in a way, other than the artworks itself. 






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