gripes.
There are too many pieces in one room at most museums. I understand why this is necessary on a logistical level, but I think Carol Duncan would agree with me when I say that the experiential should be prioritized over the logistical in these situations. It’s just overwhelming to have too many works in your line of vision. It gives me anxiety…okay, extremely low-grade anxiety maybe—but there is a sense of pressure that I dislike. Part of the reason I was so taken with the new Saatchi Gallery in London is that there were usually just 3 or 4 pieces in each gallery. It was calm and spacious and I was able to take my time with each work without worrying about whether or not I would make it through the whole thing in a manageable amount of time. A place like Saatchi Gallery isn’t subject to the same type of governance as a typical museum…most museums have it stated in their by-laws that some percentage of the permanent collection must be on display at all times. Time to reconsider these things.
