Group brief - initial idea

With the task of branding the end of year exhibition based around micro genres, the process began by brainstorming ideas. The initial focus was on the cassette tapes and how this could give a rule to how the exhibition would be laid out. The two titles of which were considered were, Side A/Side B and RWD (rewind).  

Considering the layout it was suggested that the exhibition could replicate the figure 8 shape of a cassette tape, and as well as this an idea to hang cassette tapes against the wall with pencils was put forward, this was to reference how pencils are typically used to rewind the tape back into the cassette. Also taking the catalogue design into consideration, there were ideas to have this within a cassette case, and developing from this it was discussed whether individual students could have small cards with the relevant information that viewers could collect and store within their given cases; ultimately making up their own catalogue of personal interest.

Thinking about the exhibition venue and the two rooms which would make up the exhibition, the Side A/Side B concept seemed strong in which the two rooms could represent the two sides of a tape and the exhibition. Considering how a B Side is usually more experimental compared to the commercial side A, it was also put forward whether the branding design aesthetic could reflect this with a refined and minimal aesthetic contrasting with a chaotic and experimental. Though this idea was not taken forward as it was questioned whether these ideas related too much to the L4 outcomes and not L5, who are only creating object outcomes.

A second main idea was based on the every noise at once map that both L4 and 5 used to select the micro-genres outcomes are informed by. Discovering an Algorithm to the website, this was based around 4 sections: spiky and bouncy, mechanical and electric, dense and atmospheric, and organic. Taking this into consideration the idea developed into an interactive experience for viewers, it was suggested to use the wall space of the main room to be labels for these four sections where viewers would be encouraged to move hanging flags and objects to the side of the room and category they feel the genre would fit into. This idea seemed stronger in which viewers would be encouraged to really examine and consider the work being presented as well as creating an exhibition that highlights the subjectivity of music.

The idea for the second and smaller room was that cassettes would all be placed against one wall in a shelved system, with accompanying listening booths for viewers.

The group unanimously agreed to develop from this idea, as it was felt to be the strongest with unique qualities. It was decided to name the exhibition 1,686, which is the amount of genres listed on the every noise at once website. Once this was decided roles were allocated to members of the group, with my role being to curate the social media.