How Dare You Make Me Feel This Way
Concept
The exhibition was curated, conceived and researched by Alara, Jip, Larisa, Sarjon, Storm, Zacquel and Dexter. They acted as “Public in Residence” and had an important voice in the content of the exhibition. Starting in early 2022, they met at the invitation of Museum Arnhem and led by Julius Thissen to talk about life, art, trans and queerness. These meetings were about pleasure, pain, wonder about themselves and the world, their ancient history, their threatened and rich future, and the difference between identity and political resistance. This group of amazing people formed an important element in the exhibition. In addition to the regular texts that held more information about the artworks, we chose to add an extra layer with personal quotes to the space. Why did you choose to show a particular work? What does it mean to you? Why is it so important to belong? Some of the quotes can be found higher up on the wall – giving it a nice graphic layer. Most of the quotes can be found on separate text boards.
The statement in the exhibition is an impressive gold inflatable artwork created by Golden Dean, which may be hugged and touched.
What did we create?
The exhibition was designed by Studio Met Met. It was our pleasure to provide the graphic design. Working closely with the group of curators, we chose to give the exhibition a pink color. The first space has two colors of pink and the third is painted a darker pink. In the first space, works were chosen where the light and warm environment fit nicely. In the second room there are many video works and one centerpiece (a very large screen in a pink room with pink carpet and a pink couch). The exhibition is about celebrating and being happy with yourself and your body. The furniture chosen is soft and comfortable and adjusted to a certain height – so that even people with mobility problems can sit comfortably.
The text boards in the exhibit have rounded edges and are color-matched to the background. The text is set in one of the pink shades. The larger texts are printed on a fine-touch fabric with unfinished edges to emphasize the beauty of purity. In the exhibition design, it all comes together beautifully.
Sparkles
The statement piece in the exhibition design is definitely the title. It is inspired by the title of the exhibition itself. How Dare You Make Me Feel This Way is a response to art that really impacts you and literally touches your heart. It started as a small idea – that it would be great if the title itself did the same thing in a physical manner. The huge title surprised people. Spontaneous selfies were made and many “wows” sounded through the space. It made audiences open up to the wonder of the exhibition. How Dare You Make Me Feel This Way has become a warm, inviting and authentic exhibition, and the design supports its content.
