A couple of install reviews from Schmuck

Kleene Spiel with 84 GHz

The Dialogue Collective had a distinct install. The exhibition was within a comedy club, rows of chairs were bolted to a slopping ground; a projection playing at the front while the jewellery displayed around two of the sides. As viewers entered the dark room they were given torches to navigate and view the artworks.

The uneven ground and narrow aisle would be a hard space to negotiate with others even with the light turned on. The aisles formed an L shape, with the artwork laid out along the benches that lined them. The space allowed visitors to view the works in single file, with no option to skip ahead to an artwork which was receiving less attention or view a particular work again, instead one remained chained the person in front - moving at their speed. The lack of space created larger problems, as it seemed they did not consider what would happen once viewers had completed the track. Once at the last work, there were two options: to squeeze past everyone currently viewing works, pressing them up against the bench, or to clamber over chairs whereby you would only need to do this to those reading information about the exhibition at the beginning. 

The concept for this exhibition install had potential to be one of the more interesting but instead seemed messy and unresolved. The benefits of using an install like this is to encourage viewers to slow down, as they were only able to view the works one at a time. In addition, it forces viewers to look at each section of the work individually to piece together the full form. The innovation they displayed was trumped by their lack of consideration for all other aspects. 

Bowling for success - Six Jewellers at the Bowling Alley

Bowling for success was a fun way to get visitors to engage. As you entered one of the artists approached to ask whether you are interested to go in the draw to win some jewellery from the exhibition.  She explained that for a few euros, one could try their hand. First, you must knock down 3pins when bowling, then pick a sheet of paper out of a hat which were a mix of winning and losing entries. The slip of paper I saw ended with ‘but lucky in love’, a cute spin on a losing entry.

This engagement with the viewers encouraged them to spend more time in the space. There was increased publicity as people photographed themselves there, posting it on social media while the small amount of money used to enter would add up to help cover the costs of the exhibition. The work itself was the only negative aspect. as it’s too close together and in a corner - appearing although it had been pushed to the side.