“Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective” is a travelling exhibition encompassing almost three decades of work by Mexican artists Einar and Jamex de la Torre. These forty mixed-media glass sculptures represent over three decades of their work. Inspired by the unique and ever-changing view through a kaleidoscope, the title is a wordplay combining “collision” with “kaleidoscope.” It reflects the complexities of the immigrant experience and the contradicting bicultural identities that propel the narrative and aesthetic practice. The art employs concepts of time, religion, tradition, regional distinctions, and personal experiences, which are combined to expand our perceptions of cultural identity.
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Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective
Exhibition Interior Design (Built)
Firm
Studio Joseph
Architect/Designer
Wendy Joseph
Design Team
Studio Joseph Wendy Evans Joseph, Monica Coghlan, Partner Jose Luis Vidalon, Partner Xingyao Wang, Designer Anthony Roy, Graphic designer
Location
One Museum Way Corning, NY 14830
Country
United States
Photographer/Copyright
©Studio Joseph
Website
N/A
Instagram
N/A
Given that the gallery’s white walls and heavy linear skylights did not reinforce the vibrant, complex creations, the spatial design applies an orthogonal system of horizontal and vertical planes with strategically placed display plinths. The color palette employs shades of yellow and ochre throughout, with white highlights and interpretation. These tones support the art’s coloration and texture without being neutral. The display armature incorporates framing devices and carefully proportioned vitrines to achieve a powerful geometric force that is in dialog with the curvilinear glass forms and organic themes.
As a counterpoint to the sculptural display, a graphic overlay holds the gallery together, reinforcing the playfulness of the Torres brothers’ beliefs. With stylized calligraphy, the letters of “Collidoscope” are dispersed at different heights on the walls. Their abstract form and simple grey tonality create a counterpoint to the colorful detail of the glass, setting long vistas to encourage visitors to journey through the gallery. Pull-out quotes and other interpretation support the narrative. All texts are in Spanish and English, displayed next to each other rather than vertically to counter any subliminal hierarchy.
In addition to the quotes on the wall, selected gallery labels include QR codes that allow visitors to access audio of Einar and Jamex de la Torre speaking about the meaning of elements contained in their work and their experiences as artists working on both sides of the Mexican American border. During the first month of the exhibition, over 1,200 visitors accessed the QR codes, an all-time high for the museum, demonstrating the success of its efforts to attract a diverse audience. The Corning Museum of Glass’ visitor profile includes many children and visitors who rarely go to museums. Therefore, object security is a high priority. For ‘Collidoscope,’ touch distance, rails, and display orientation all help with safekeeping while not interfering with an intimate understanding with the art. The design considered the size and placement of the interpretation so that it could be easily read by people with diverse abilities while not obscuring the works themselves. The installation ensures a safe and enjoyable visit for all, but what was particularly rewarding was that the artists felt that the display strategy put their glass in a beautiful light.