Museum Studies
Photo: Tomás Saraceno—in orbit, installation view K21, Düsseldorf, Germany. ©Tomás Saraceno.
Our objective is to capture and categorize various art experiences in prominent museums and urban centres.
We contextualize and challenge the empirical data using theoretical approaches from philosophy as well as political science and art criticism. Furthermore, we merge this empirical-theoretical approach with collaborative interventions, workshops, and experiments involving art schools, artists, and galleries.
Ultimately, our aim is to generate and translate these insights into policy guidelines disseminated by key stakeholders in museums of art and culture.
Collaborators (in alphabetical order): Joerg Fingerhut (HUB), Corinna Kühnapfel (UNIVIE), Julian Kutsche (HUB), Olivia Maegaard Nielsen (HUB), Matthew Pelowski (UNIVIE), Spela Vrtovec (HUB)
Hamburger Bahnhof
This data collection involved gathering feedback on various aspects of the Hamburger Bahnhof - Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart. Participants were asked to rate the beauty and interest of the building's design, as well as their perception of its density. They were also questioned on how the design contributed to their museum visit experience, engagement with art, mood improvement, attention retention, and interest arousal. Additionally, participants were asked if they were aware of the public forums area behind the museum shop, if they would utilize such a space, and if they noticed specific artistic elements within the museum. Other questions covered awareness of the "endless exhibition," ticket types owned, interest in an event presenting study results, suggestions for improvements at the museum, and an option to provide contact information for further study updates.
The data is yet to be analysed.
K21 Kunstsammlung NRW
“in orbit”, by artist Tomás Saraceno
A recent study led by researchers from UNIVIE and HUB delved into the significance of the body in installation art. Unlike traditional paintings, installation art necessitates active bodily engagement, immersing visitors within the artwork itself. Despite ample theoretical literature acknowledging the body's role, empirical research on this aspect has been lacking. Published in Frontiers in Psychology, the study emphasizes the importance of physical involvement in shaping emotional and cognitive responses to artworks. To fill this research gap, the team examined the immersive installation "in orbit" by Tomás Saraceno at K21 Kunstsammlung NRW, which spans 2500 m² above the museum's atrium, enhancing body awareness and eliciting varied bodily experiences.
Savvy
To be added
Galerie Wedding
Exhibition “The Mine Gives, the Mine Takes”
During the pandemic, we conducted studies on the impact of viewing art, particularly on societal challenges. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we examined a street-level art show. Partnering with Galerie Wedding in Berlin, located in a multicultural neighborhood, we utilized its full-length windows displaying art installations visible from outside. This allowed us to continue data collection despite gallery closure. Our research focused on themes like Soft Solidarity (SoS), exploring societal challenges through art. Data was collected from the outside foot-traffic, using a pre-/post-design with several dependent variables focused on Nature Awareness, Empathic Concern, Nature in Self, and mood. We also assessed evaluations and art experience.
Exhibition “Job Center. Aufgeladene Orte. Psychic Places” by artist Emily Hunt, curated by Solvej Helweg Ovesen
In this data collection period, we expanded our evaluation criteria to include assessments of liking, beauty, interest, meaningfulness, willingness to pay to see more art, and understanding. Additionally, we measured changes in participants' sense of connection and satisfaction with their community using a "community and self" connectedness scale. We also gathered feedback on neighborhood aspects such as happiness with public transport, local cuisine, and community interactions. Mood, wellbeing, and empathic concern were also included in our assessment.
