The three countries of the African continent in this exhibition share several common traits - the Bantu language, the majestic Congo River and the great land of Africa herself. We were inspired to design an exhibition that responds to the varied geography of these countries where these artifacts were originally found.
A study of the artifacts reveals similar characteristics amongst them -they are mostly figurines; they are not very large, and can be housed within a fixed dimension; and most of them will benefit from a all round view to be studied in closeups.
We wanted to ask if the method of display can be something more intrinsic and coherent to the whole spatial experience. We created plinths of various heights for the artifacts. They also serve as caption surfaces, seats, guide stands etc. As a design language, they form an organizational structure and logic to the space.
Using these plinths, we created a entire abstracted and sinuous landscape where one circulates through the various sections of the exhibition in a linear fashion, although experientially, it is more of an indirect and organic experience. They suggest, in parts, a forest, a meandering river, a hill, a temple, and a savannah grassland.
