Art Institute of Chicago Museum Presentations - 2/7/06
CLASS NOTES © Joseph Varrisco

I. Physical Structure
	A. large stairs
	B. monumental sculptures
		1. Majestic Lions
			a. Justifying its own value (good statement)
	C. Temple-like feeling
	D. Pillars
	E. European influence
	D. Spaced away from other buildings
		1. Given special consideration in location

II. Interiors
	A. Ceiling windows at entrance
		1. Bright, sunlit, welcoming
		2. Actual museum few windows, dim lighting
		3. Boundaries on how close we can approach work
	B. Sound 
		1. Echoes
		2. Primarily near entrance
	C. Big doorways/ Big Windows/ High Ceilings
		1. Momentous place / A place of grandeur
	D. Beige - colored 
		1. to eliminate distractions from artwork 
	E. Entrance Specifics
		1. Appearance as a mansion
		2. Skylights pouring over stairs 
			a. sensations of heavenly
		3. Security guards at entrance having loud conversation
		4. Customer Assistance personal dressed well
			a. a place of privilege
		5. Store at entrance
			a. Commercialization
			b. Donation
				i. Defining worth of experience through currency
		6. Hallway leading in - armors
			a. Mansion feeling

III. Organization
	A. Geographically
		1. Africa
			a. Not appropriately placed into the vast variety of region/culture
	B. Ethnic work placed in basement 
		1. Mostly ancient work nothing modern
		2. Dim lighting to dramatize work 
			a. African masks
	C. Modern art near entrance
		1. quickly passed by

IV. Dominant
	A. Western Art
		1. White upper/middle class
		2. Including modern work
	B. Christian Artwork
	C. European artwork
		1. More complete - including modern work
	D. Large paintings centered
		1. Separately lit
		2. No shadows
		3. Smaller paintings around to assist framing

V. People
	A. European Artwork
		1. People very quiet
		2. More reading
	B. Modern and Contemporary art had few visitors 
		1. People much louder here
		2. Spent little time viewing
	C. Physical Behaviors/Appearance
		1. Hand to chin
		2. viewing up and down
		3. Three Different Looks
			a. Higher class business variety
				i. Class distinction
			b. Students
			c. Homeless? People keeping warm
			d. Security guards appear to be of lower class
				i.  Considered a nuisance
				ii. Not very knowledgeable
		4. Use of cell phones
			a. Interruption of ritualistic experience
			b. Has this become ritualized in of itself?
			c. Implicit rules being violated
		5. Flow of people sheep-like