Exhibition design and narrative : A qualitative study of the Aguéli museum based on reception aesthetics

In this thesis the Aguéli museum is examined in a qualitative study based on its portrayal of the artist Ivan Aguéli through narrative and exhibition design. The thesis purpose is to analyze how the artists identity is presented within the exhibition room, and to examen what exhibition design techniques are being used by the museum’s curators. The study provides a base of a qualitative method where field observations, photography and a semi structured interview were made alongside Rune Gade’s model for exhibition analysis and Wolfgang Kemp’s method in reception aesthetics. The thesis analysis shows how the museum’s exhibition is thematically structured, where the rooms atmosphere and the qualities of the art works are prioritized over a chronological exposition. The curators prove how their approach is intentional and how it contributes to the observer’s engagement with Aguéli’s work and letting the light and mysticism within his paintings to be the focus. This thesis show that smaller local based institutions can offer a meaningful experience to the observer, even when limited, through the practice of arranging spatially and sectionizing artwork.