I tend to find that first impressions make all the difference, especially when it comes to exhibits. The fact that the Tim Burton exhibit at the MOMA (through April 26th) was so poorly curated struck me first and foremost. Why on earth would you line the hallway into the exhibit with TV’s showing Burton’s multiple animations? It just creates a bottleneck. You’ve got visitors trying to get into the galleries and as these same visitors rush past the TV’s they block other peoples’ views of those videos. Then you’re met by a room illuminated by black light, and viewers tended to linger here as though they had never encountered such an awe inspiring effect before. A black lit gallery, to me, is about as intriguing as it was in the college dorm rooms I visited way back when. I understand the intent: you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole into Tim Burton’s wacky world, but perhaps MOMA should have anticipated the large crowds or actually enforced their timed ticketing.
Once Inside, visitors line the perimeter of the exhibit basically shuffling sideways so as to see any of the works hung up salon style in the galleries. I won’t keep harping on how overcrowded and poorly planned the exhibit was, but the curators really could have designed an exhibit that fostered a more positive experience.
The myriad drawings on display were ridiculously detailed and it was amazing to see the inception of Burton’s creations throughout his career. The proof of his creative spark is everywhere, in frames, on plinths, and in glass cases. These forms of presentation certainly help to raise what are essentially movie making props and sketches into the high art arena that is the MOMA. At the same time, having already seen so many of these sketches and models come alive on the big screen, they lose so much of that magic sitting there static/stationary.
Additionally, I was, however, really psyched when I glimpsed Batman’s cape and Ed Woods’ white furry sweater. These are two of the greatest relics from Burton’s contributions to Hollywood, and I wish that there had been more items like them in the exhibit.
Judging by the crowds at the show and subsequent Facebook posts, I certainly know a lot of folk have seen this exhibit in recent weeks, in which case, I certainly invite your comments/impressions too!
