Week 5 Readings
2. Exhibition page reading: what counts as evidence?
What exhibition texts usually contain
Most public exhibition pages include:
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a “big idea” paragraph (often abstract)
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a short description of materials/process
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artist names, dates, themes, sometimes quotes
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images with captions
Evidence checklist
When you feel lost, search for evidence anchors:
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material (porcelain, stoneware, slip, glaze)
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process (wheel-thrown, coil-built, casting, firing type if given)
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scale (handheld vessel vs room-scale installation)
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function (tableware, sculpture, architectural ceramic, performance object)
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context (place, community, heritage, technology)
Neutral language guide
Use clear, non-exoticising language:
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Prefer: “symbolic”, “ritual”, “domestic”, “industrial”, “functional”
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Avoid: “mysterious”, “ancient secrets”, “magical East”
