Elephant Shrews at the Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo

October 16, 2011

Giant Elephant Shrew

            This week I chose to write about the Giant Elephant Shrew in the Rare Animal Conservation Center at the Philadelphia Zoo.  A small mammal from different regions of Africa, the Elephant Shrew is rarely seen in nature.  Besides the appeal of its cute little nose, Elephant Shrews are an important aspect of the Zoo because of their educational potential.  Conservation education is a large part of the Zoo’s mission statement and goals.  This small mammal plays a role in that mission as part of the Rare Animal collection of the Zoo. 

            The Elephant Shrews were either acquired from the National Zoo of the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., or born at the Philadelphia Zoo.  The Elephant Shrew spends time in its exhibit with other rare mammals, such as monkeys, living together to represent their struggling species.  These rare animals are important to learn about because expanding education about endangered species is crucial to their survival.  As part of this mission, the text that accompanies the animal is written to teach the viewer about them, and explain the importance of their presence in the Zoo.

            Exploration of other endangered species in the world and what people can do to help them would enrich this experience.  It is designed to encourage people to do just that, and it is successful in encouraging research and change.  While some people may not see the endangerment of species throughout the world as a problem, the Zoo effectively explains the crucial aspects of food chains and the necessity of each animal.       

American Swedish Historical Museum

American Swedish Historical Museum

October 2011

Jenny Lind Cigar Box

“Factory No. 67 2^nd district New York”

19^th Century

The Jenny Lind Room

    

      I chose to discuss the Jenny Lind cigar box in the American Swedish Historical Museum this week because of the objects connection to opera singer, Jenny Lind (1820-1877).  Lind was an influential figure in Swedish society through her successful music career.  The room is named after Lind and contains portraits of her, personal objects, and works from other notable individuals in Swedish culture.  The cigar box in particular was of interest to me and is most likely to others because it is an object of memorabilia from her music career, and represents her level of fame in the 19^th century.  Multiple audiences would be able to engage in the object by comparing it to current memorabilia or as an object they recognize from their past.        

        The cigar box is displayed in a glass class case with other objects from Jenny Lind’s life to portray the breadth of her influence.  Among the objects are a decanter, sunglasses, concert tickets, a decorative fan, and porcelain dolls in Lind’s likeness.  Placing the cigar box with these items creates a more complete picture of how successful Lind was.  The labels in the case briefly describe the objects and their intended purposes.  The label next to the cigar box explains that the box once held cigars made in Havana, Cuba.

            Studying the history of popular culture memorabilia would create an interesting context in which to view the cigar box and other objects in the display case.  Also being familiar with Swedish musical culture, especially the opera would enrich the experience by being able to compare and contrast it with American pop culture.  Because the labels are brief, people who enjoy having in depth labels and information about objects would spend a short amount of time at this particular object, however it plays an essential role in depicting the star power of Jenny Lind within the room. 

American Swedish Historical Museum

Philadelphia Museum of Art - Kathe Kollwitz

Philadelphia Museum of Art

September 2011

Run Over

Germany, 1910

Etching, soft ground

Kathe Kollwitz (1867-1945)

Prints, Drawings, Photographs

PMA online collection (currently not on display)

This week’s object is an etching by German artist Kathe Kollwitz.  This work is important to me because it is by my favorite artist.  Kollwitz is known for her depictions of emotional and harsh mother and child scenes.  She represented scenes of poverty and hardship that most people chose to overlook. 

The love and sorrow a mother feels over the loss of her child are seen in Run Over.  Kollwitz captures an honest moment of community in a rarely seen genre style.  This image would be important to mothers and anyone who has ever lost a loved one.  It is painful and reassuring simultaneously.    

            Unfortunately, this object was not on display at the PMA, however it can be found in the online collections database.  It was acquired from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts as part of a gift from Muriel and Philip Berman.   

With the technology of the PMA’s online database it is easy to see this image in great detail.  Viewers can zoom in to this image with great clarity to see the details of Kollwitz’s technique.  In addition to Run Over viewers can search for other works that are comparable, either in technique, content, or general themes, giving them the freedom to understand works in different way.  This online option allows viewers to look at art a more analytical and critical way then while in the gallery.

            Understanding and studying Europe at the turn of the 20^th century would enrich a viewers understanding and appreciation of this work.  Most study of history involves major events and significant historical figures.  Kollwitz brings the lower, sometimes-unappreciated classes to life.  Also studying the unique technique Kollwitz uses would bring a unique appreciation to her work.  Bold yet simple strokes and textures bring the figures to life through the emotion in the work. 

            Children may not be interested in this object however because of it’s mature content and dark style.  Using this image as a comparison to other emotional images, perhaps happy or angry images would be another way to engage a variety of viewers.                

http://www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/10671.html?mulR=20711|1

Rosenbach Museum and Library

Chesire Cat

1865

Wood engraving on paper

Desiel Brothers after Sir John Tenniel

Burn This: Censorship, Secrecy and Survival in the Rosenbach Collection

This object is an example of the Chesire cat and Alice from the story “Alice in Wonderland”.  It is important for the study of early books because it is a rare example of a “proof” print, the process of printing images to go along with text in books.  The print was considered to be of inferior quality according to John Tenniel.  Tenniel wanted it destroyed; yet it survives with evidence of only being singed in a bindery fire.    

The print is displayed on an angle in a glass case.  The room is dim to avoid light pollution and the nearby text gives a short explanation of the reasons behind the object being part of the exhibit.  The point of view is from that of a collector, the rarity, and specialness of the object was apparent through the text.  However, the objects were left to speak for themselves, and without the familiar content of the image, the object could have easily been glanced over.    

Other nearby objects are original copies of “Alice in Wonderland”.  These objects along with their supporting text help illustrate the importance of the entire collection of original prints.  Sir John Tenniel wanted the entire first round of books destroyed because of their imperfection, however they were circulated and survived anyway. 

Understanding book binding as well as the science and art behind printmaking would elevate my level of understanding the object.  Books now are so accessible that we forget how rare and precious they were at the turn of the century.  I could not imagine anyone who would be uninterested in this original print.  The content appeals to everyone, while the object itself appeals to more adult audiences.  If the print was seen in another context however, it could be looked over.  For example, if seen in an art museum in an exhibit focused on engraving, this image would not be as appreciated because of it’s unfinished nature.  By being seen in a library among other rare and partially destroyed books and paper, the importance of this memorable image is elevated.    

http://www.rosenbach.org/

NCC American National Tree

American National Tree

Touch Screen Technology

NCC

“We The People” permanent collection

This object is a technological tree of important people that helped form and support the constitution.  It is an important object in the collection because of its engaging and yet informal nature.  People can navigate it easily through the touch screens and they are able to search for and learn about the people most interesting to them.  It is important for people who may not feel as though the constitution has a noticeable relevancy.  Unorthodox people such as children have effected the constitution, and people searching through the tree of people find unique and powerful stories. 

The American National Tree is displayed near the entrance to the dome exhibit; so it is one of the first displays visitors have interaction with.  Frames are suspended in a three dimensional conical shape with changing portraits.  Beneath the frames are touch screens that allow visitors to navigate through the portraits and stories.  The labeling describes the object and how to use it.  The nearby objects are part of the same exhibit and share the themes relating to the constitution, however this object stands on it own in the center of the space. 

I think everyone has the ability to be interested in this object.  The tactile elements along with the freedom to choose whom to read about enable engagement from all audiences.  Other ways to engage viewers would be to add a personal element.  The touch screens could provide questions and criteria that would allow visitors to see how the constitution is active in their own lives. 

Week 1: Favorite Object

My favorite object is Bernie, my oldest stuffed animal.  My mother gave him to me in 1991, the year my little brother was born.  He is a brown furry dog, designed by the "ty"company.  Bernie has remained important to me for the past twenty years for a few reasons, most of which involve my mom.  She gave him to me when she knew I would need another friend when my brother was born.  As a small child, I never had an imaginary friend, I always had  Bernie, and my mom helped him come alive.  Bernie is always on my bed, sometimes to my embarrassment, but he is a constant comfort that is directly connected to my family.

Elementary psychology and reasons behind children's connections to stuffed animals would be an interesting way to further understand why I still keep Bernie around.  I have a feeling few if anyone would also be interested in my stuffed animal.  An opposing point of view may tell a narrative of immaturity, and not understand why I would still consider my stuffed animal important.