Experience Room: Prohibition

Museum Practicum: Objective Blog: National Constitution Center

Oktavia LaBarge, September 26, 2013

Title: Experience Room: Prohibition

Year: Museum opened in 2003

Material: Multimedia

Creator: Unknow

Collection: National Constitution Center: The Story of We the People

This is an experience room in the National Constitution Center which addresses prohibition.  In 1920, the manufacturing, sale, or transportation of liquor was made illegal.  This room asks audiences to step back into history in order to learn why liquor was prohibited and the reactions to this prohibition.  On the back wall is a black and white photograph of a group of women called the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.  These women were marching on

big cities to discuss the issues that alcohol was causing to their families and the United States. This is an important period in American history because it was the only time that an Amendment in the United States Constitution was repealed.  After the American Revolution, drinking had increased substantially, as a result the Temperance Movements began.  The Temperance Movement developed out of Protestant churches to end the abuse of alcohol, which led to sin.  In 1919, the 18th Amendment was ratified and prohibited the sale and manufacture of alcohol.

  On the wall to the right of the large photograph is a door with a smaller door that opens to reveal image of men and women drinking.  In the image the women are dressed provocatively for the period and men are illegally drinking alcohol. As a result of prohibition, gangsters would smuggle alcohol into the United States and created speakeasies. Speakeasies were bars which illegally sold alcohol to citizens.  

      On the glass wall opposite of the door is two labels.  One discusses the work and success of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union.  The label is dated Wednesday, January 16th, 1919, and is a first-person interpretation style.  This means that the reader of the label is meant to feel as though they were taken back in time and are reading something from 1919.  The label tells the visitor that in 1919 the new amendment had been added to the Constitution, banning alcohol.  The second label is also in first-person interpretation, from 1933.  This label states that the prohibition has proved unsuccessful and has caused more crime.  This reveals to the audience that in 1933 the 18th article of the amendment to the Constitution has been repealed.

      This experience room is on display to remind the visitors of the National Constitution Center of the many changes that the Constitution had.  The prohibition was the only time that an Amendment in the Constitution had been repealed, revealing that the writers of this important document considered all aspects of the world and made the amendments board enough to fulfill Americans needs. 

The Nation Constitution Center’s exhibition reveals the timeline of changes that were made to the Constitution throughout American history.  The nearby objects contribute to the understanding of the prohibition by revealing the events that led up to this moment in time. To learn more about prohibition, the National Constitution Center has a traveling exhibition, called American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition which could teach one more in depth about the prohibition.  One could also visit a bar that was once a speakeasy to relive the experience of the prohibition.  In Philadelphia there are a lot of bars that once illegally sold alcohol to its customers, such as McNally’s Quick Lunch or McGillin’s Old Ale House.

Someone who might not be interested in learning about prohibition may be someone from a country which currently has alcohol prohibition laws.  Many of these countries with prohibition laws are because the citizens are Muslim.  In the Muslim religion, alcohol is illegal because it causes impaired judgement and clouds the mind .  Followers of the Muslim religion would not be interested in learning about the prohibition, because they currently are prohibited.  Someone of the Muslim religion would probably tell a different narrative about this experience room.  They probably would discuss why it was a bad decision for the United States to repeal the prohibition of alcohol.  They may also discuss their religious reasons for choosing not to drink, or perhaps they might be able to relate to how people felt about not being allowed to consume alcohol.

Visitors of the National Constitution Center who are not from the United States also might not be interested in learning about prohibition.  These visitors may not understand the importance of this period because they would not grow up learning about American History in school.  Without reading the text they would probably believe the pictures were of people marching against prostitution, since the small hidden image reveals women dressed inappropriately.  Children would also probably not be interested in learning about the prohibition because they do not understand the allure of alcohol.

To create interest about the prohibition, I would create a bar crawl event that takes visitors to different bars that once sold alcohol illegally. During this bar crawl, I would invite the owners of bars to share the history of their bar.  This would generate community interest and the teach the audience about local history.  Another way to further engage viewers with this object would be to ask people from countries where alcohol is currently prohibited and hear about their experiences. Lastly, to further engage visitors with this object the museum could host an event that had speakers discuss the prohibition and serve different cocktails that once were served during this time.

Gana

Museum Practicum: Objection Blog: The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Oktavia LaBarge, September, 18th, 2013

Title: Gana

Year: c.11th to 12th century

Material: Granitic stone

Creator: Unknown Artist, Made in Tamil Nadu, India, Asia

Collection: East Asian Art: Indian and Himalayan Art

This is a sculpture of a Gana, from the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the East Asian Art collection.  Gana is a follower of the god Shiva in the Hindu religion. This particular Gana probably was placed on the corner of a religious temple, as a symbol of stability for the architecture above and below it. The Gana often acts as a support, both physically in architecture and spiritually as a support to the god Shiva. 

The god Shiva, is often represented much like this one and is one of three gods in Hindu religion.

The God Shiva
Philadelphia Museum of Art
More information

The three gods, Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu are responsible for the creation of the world in the Hindu religion.  To learn more about the Hindu god Shiva, visit this website.

The Gana sculpture is very important to the Hindu religion and is a guardian deity and the attendant to Shiva.  The Hindu religion has no actual books or founders and therefore it is considered a way of life. 

Nadu, India

         Hinduism is very prominent in mainly India and Nepal.  This sculpture is from Nadu, India, which can be located by the red dot on the map. 

        The sculpture is a reminder of Hindu religious practices, a fundamental support, and would be important to followers of this religious.  In addition, people who are curious about different religions and religious stories would be interested in the Gana.

The Gana is on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the Indian and Himalayan Art collection.  This sculpture was a gift to the museum from the Jaipaul Family in 1997.  I believe this object is on display to create a comparison between other Ganas that are in the collection.  This object also creates a visual language that allows viewers to fully understand sculptural elements of temples in India and why these components are important to the Hindu religion.  Across from the Gana are multiple sculptures and images of Hindu gods which allows viewers to understand the different gods and deities of the religion. 

The actual sculpture of Gana sits crossed legged with its arms pressed together in prayer.  In Hindu religion the pressing of the palms together is called, anjali, which represents respect.  This may be respect to other gods and deities or perhaps to the followers or viewers.  The label describes how Ganas are often depicted as obese and dwarf-like.  The image to the right is a sculpture of Head of a Celestial or Gana and reveals similar characteristics of the seated figure. 

Head of Celestial or Gana
Philadelphia Museum of Art
More information

Often Ganas are recognizable by their bulging eyes under curved eyebrows, the nose of the Gana flares, with a wild hat on his head. 

The label that was placed next to the Gana described the purpose of the sculpture, both as a supporter of the god Shiva and as a support to the temple.  The label describes the identifying characteristics of Ganas which allows visitors to be able to find other Ganas and make comparisons between them.  The label seemed to be used as a teaching tool about the basics of what exactly is a Gana and why they were important.

To further enrich ones understanding and exploration of this object,  someone could research more about the Hindu religion and the different gods and deities.  Also, someone interested in this object could create a comparison between this particular Gana and other Ganas in the exhibit.  In addition, one might compare this deity, to a religious character in another culture.  For example, one could compare the Hindu Gana to the Greek maenad, who is a follower of the great god Dionysus. 

White-Ground Pyxis with Maenads
The Walters Museum of Art
More information

Discussing how both Gana and the maenad are followers of important gods in their religion, however, their depictions and stories reveal many differences.  Someone who may not be interested in this object, may be a follower of a different religion, for example, someone who is devout Catholic. People who believe that Hindu is a false religion may be upset by the Gana and believe it is a fairy tale or mythological creature.  In addition, someone who did not know the background of what this object is would tell a completely different narrative.  Other cultures may believe this is a depiction of a child or something else in their culture. 

To engage viewers with this object, I would ask the audience to compare two Gana sculptures side by side, to find similar characteristics.  In addition, as stated above I would invite the audience to compare different cultural deities and find similarities and differences between these cultures, based on the objects.  It would also be interesting to see what people think the Gana is without telling them the history.  To further engage audience interest, I would invite experts of the religion to tell the story of the Gana. 

Museum Practicum: Objection Blog: Eastern State Penitentiary

Oktavia LaBarge, September, 12, 2013

Title: GTMO

Year: 2006-2013

Material: Chain link fence, rocks, cement, plastic canteen, white plastic five-gallon buckets, shoes, orange jumpsuit, foam mattress, sheet, blankets, washcloth, bar of soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, towels, prayer cap, and the Holy Quran.

Creator: William Cromar

Collection: Eastern State Penitentiary: Artists Installation

Each year, Eastern State Penitentiary accepts artists proposals of possible installations.  A committee reviews the different proposals and chooses a few to add to their collection. Currently, the historic site has 72 artist’s installations.  These different installations invite artists to question controversial subjects through different mediums.

This is an installation called GTMO, by the artist, William Cromar. Made within a prison cell in the historic Eastern State Penitentiary.  Cromar created this work as a commentary on the older cells used in Camp X-Ray at Guantanamo Bay.  Guantanamo Bay is located in Cuba and is where “enemies” of the nation are currently held without being tried in the United States justice system.  Before creating the actual detainment center the use of chain-linked fence kept the prisoners.

Placing this installation within Eastern State Penitentiary makes viewers question the rights of prisoners being held in Guantanamo Bay.  GTMO is important for people who are unaware of the prisoners held without trial and makes them question why the government is holding these people prisoner.  This installation is important to make people aware of issues that are going on around the world. 

Cromar’s, GTMO was installed within one of the cells in Cellblock 13 in the ruins of Eastern State Penitentiary.  The viewer is invited to step from the hallway into the prisoner’s cell to view a large square chain-link fence with a concrete floor.  The ground the viewer stands on is composed of small rocks.  On the ground inside the chain-linked fence is a small foam mattress and on the mattress sits folded blankets, sheets, an orange jumpsuit, a washcloth, and two towels.  Next to these folded objects is one plastic canteen, two five-galloon buckets, one bar of soap, one tube of toothpaste, one toothbrush, one bottle of shampoo, one prayer cap, and a copy of the Holy Quran.  In the Muslim religion the Holy Quran is not supposed to touch the ground, so it is suspended by a surgical mask.  On the floor of the chain-linked cell is a stenciled arrow which points to the Kaaba in Mecca, it is used for daily prayer.  Viewers are not allowed access to enter the chain-linked fence, so one can only view it from the outside.

Outside in the hallway are two labels on either side of the doorway posted near the cell. To the right of the cell is a description of what is inside the cell.  On the left side of the cell is a description of the installation.  

     

           In addition, to the two text labels visitors of the museum are given an audio tour. To learn about this installation, the visitors must type the audio number, 48, and will be able to hear the artist speak.  The labels and audio reveal the point of view of the artist who disagrees with the use of Guantanamo Bay and the holding of prisoners who have not been tried in our judicial system. It is clear the artist is using the labels and the audio to inform the viewers of what is occurring and tries to persuade the viewers to agree with the point of view in order to take action. 

          Creating an installation of a cell used in Guantanamo Bay within a cell in an old jail creates a deeper meaning of imprisonment.  Having a cell within a cell, makes viewers compare the two very different types of detainment.  The inside cell that resembles the Camp X-Ray cells reminds the viewer of a dog cage, as well as, reminds the viewer that the people of Guantanamo Bay have been stripped of their basic human rights and are being treated like an animal.  To further understand this installation, one might consider researching Guantanamo Bay and learning the history of the detainment center.  

This installation by Cromar is very controversial and many visitors to Eastern State Penitentiary may not be interested in this topic.  Supporters of Guantanamo Bay and people who serve in the armed forces, may be upset by the very obvious statement that Cromar is presenting.  In addition, people who have served in the armed forces may not feel compassion for the people who are placed in these cells because they may have a very different point of view about these detainees. However, the purpose of the installation is to create a reaction and a deeper discussion, so having a negative reaction to the installation is acceptable.  

There are many different ways that the artist could expand this experience that would engage viewers.  For example, Cromar could have placed a similar chain-linked cell in multiple cells or in multiple different cellblocks.  In addition, the artist could have added images of people who are detained in these types of cells or at Guantanamo Bay to further personalize the exhibit.  Cromar could also have testimonies of prisoners or guards at Guantanamo Bay to evoke more of a response.

Favorite Object

Museum Practicum: Favorite Object

Oktavia LaBarge

September 5th, 2013

                       

Title of Object: Jewelry Box

Year you received it: 2002

Material: Linden wood

Creator: Enchanted World of Boxes (EWB)

When I was younger, my parents moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Bethesda, Maryland.  During this transition, I was sent to live with my grandparents in Kingston, New York for the summer. During this summer at my grandparents I decided that what I really wanted and needed was a new jewelry box, although I did not own any jewelry at this time.  My grandmother spent all summer helping me look for a new jewelry box and finally during a trip to Woodstock, New York, we stumbled across this particular jewelry box.  It was created by a company called Enchanted World of Boxes, or EWB.  On the top of the jewelry box are carved images in a folk art style of a conjoined sun and moon, surrounded by stars. On the exterior sides of the box are three yellow waves.

This jewelry box is my favorite object because it was a gift from my grandmother on my father’s side.  She was recently been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. The jewelry box is a constant reminder of my grandmother’s love for her grandchildren.  She has always hated shopping, but was willing to go to what felt like every store in Kingston, New York area to find this jewelry box that I desperately thought I needed.

The jewelry box is always placed on display in my room and it holds my most expensive jewelry.  The box currently sits on top of my dresser, in front of two framed photographs and a mirror.  Next to the jewelry box is next to an odd shaped gold and green bowl which holds my bracelets.  I purposefully make sure that the jewelry box is always prominently displayed in my room given it puts a smile on my face as I know it would do for her as well.

All of these objects reveal a glimpse into the understanding of who I am.  The two photographs behind my jewelry box include a photo of my best friend, Kristina and I, while the other is a photo of my boyfriend, Noah.  Each of these frames are uniquely textured and I purchased them from thrift and antique stores.  This reveals my passion of discount shopping.  The bowl next to the jewelry box is often overflowing with bracelets, which shows my love of chunky and fun bracelets.  I have three different perfumes, which are almost, and two different candles.  One of the candles is a tall blue Goya brand candle, which my aunt, who is very interested in spirituality, suggested to put it in the corner of my room to create a soothing and calming environment.  

To better understand this object, it would be helpful to contact the artistic group who created these boxes.  This would help to learn the meaning and reasoning behind the exterior design.  In addition, to enrich one’s understanding of this box, one could visit the location in Woodstock, New York, where it was purchased.  Furthermore, opening the box and examining the objects inside could help the viewer have a better understanding of what the box means to me. 

Someone who would not be interested in this object may be someone who does not have a lot of any jewelry or does not need a jewelry box.  Also, this would not appeal to someone who is not interested in the folk art style.  Having received this box as a child from my grandmother, my perspective would differ from someone else buying the box.  Different viewers may not have a similar emotional attachment that I have grown to developed for this jewelry box.  It would be interesting to hear from people who also bought a similar jewelry box to understand how they feel about the object.

When I first received the jewelry box, inside was a square informational card about the artist and their artistic purpose.  Allowing viewers to read the short informational card about the object, may better their understanding about these one-of-a-kind handcrafted boxes.  It would also be interesting to learn what people thought when they see this jewelry box in my room.