The exhibition or site analysis does not require outside research. The assignment is designed to
challenge you to think about how temporary exhibitions like Vida Americana displays murals and how they address their distinct audiences.
You should describe what the exhibition or mural cycle is about and how the items/artworks on view support the exhibition’s or site’s premise. Your
analysis should include the following observations:
Purpose: What is the purpose of the exhibition or mural cycle? What is the main message? Are
there sub-themes too? Who is the intended audience? How do you know?
Organization: How is the exhibition or mural cycle organized? By chronology? By type? By
theme? A combination? Does the organization work? Was it confusing? Is there a good
proportion between wall text and the items on view? Does the exhibition or site arrangement
maintain interest? How about the translation from the physical to the virtual realm—does the
exhibition or site have value in this mediated from?
Text: What is the tone of language used in the wall text—conversational, authoritative? Are
unfamiliar terms explained? Are there quotes attributed to people? Why are the quotes there?
(This may not be as relevant to those analyzing Beach Chalet)
Artworks: Do the artworks support the exhibition’s or site’s message? Describe one or two
artworks or individual panels that either support or detract from the overall experience, and
explain why.
Summary: What is your overall impression of the exhibition or site? What would a viewer take
away from this exhibition, either in physical or virtual form?