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Challenge

                This spring, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation unveiled a new exhibit as part of its regularly rotating lineup. The exhibit, Veronica Ryan: Unruly Objects features four decades of Ryan’s practice with sculptures, textiles, and works on paper.

                In the planning phase of this exhibit, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation team sought creative ways to display the art. They needed something that would flow with the message that Ryan aims to provoke in her work instead of taking away from the art itself. This display needed to be minimal, but intentional, integrating the gallery while also enhancing the viewer’s experience.

                To achieve this, the team at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation partnered with Industrial Shelving Systems to design a custom shelving solution tailored to the exhibit’s needs. Together, we were able to work together to find the perfect museum quality shelving solution that provided an aesthetic subtlety. The result was a harmonious collaboration of art and shelving – one that lets this art send a message.

Solution

                The first step in finding the right shelving solution was gaining a clear understanding of what needed to be displayed on the shelves. This art exhibit called for the presentation of smaller objects – some to be placed on the shelves directly, and others suspended. These art pieces needed to be visible from all sides, demanding unobstructed views. To support this, the shelving units needed to have an open design that would allow for visitors to experience the artwork from various vantage points.

                Another key design for this industrial shelving unit was the consideration of color. The shelving was made to be a bright orange, a bold but complementary color that echoed the visual language of the exhibit but allowed the art to be the point of focus.

                After an evaluation of placement of art, two custom shelving units were designed to meet the functional and aesthetic goals of this exhibit. Stronghold’s extreme duty open shelving with 5 shelves was the perfect solution. Each shelf would hold one to three pieces of art. The open frame structure would provide the perfect amount of space and support, enhancing the narrative of Ryan’s work.

Results

                The tall industrial shelves presented a solution that integrated smoothly with the exhibit itself, allowing it to feel like a curated extension of the exhibit rather than the industrial shelving units you think of with regards to warehouses. This custom shelving not only provided structural support for the art, but allowed for cohesion with the exhibit without taking away from the artwork.

                By incorporating this open shelving, the museum was able to create a 360-degree viewing experiencing, allowing visitors to engage with each piece. This project shows how shelving can be applicable to many needs. A thoughtful design can transform every day, industrial shelving units into purpose-driven displays. The partnership between Industrial Shelving Solutions and the Pulitzer Arts Foundation just goes to show the power of custom solutions.         

If you’re in the St. Louis area, be sure to make a trip to the Pulitzer Arts Foundation to see this exhibit. We hope you’ll enjoy it just as much as we do!

In need of a custom storage solution? Let’s start the conversation about how we can work together. Reach out here or give us a call at 1-800-875-6201.