Kiki Smith: Prints, Books, and Things
Julie Beeler, Second Story Interactive Studios, USA
Allegra Burnette, The Museum of Modern Art, USA
http://www.moma.org/kikismith

Demonstration: Demonstrations - Session 2

Kiki Smith (American, born Germany, 1954) is among the most significant artists of her generation. Known primarily as a sculptor, she has also devoted herself to printmaking, which she considers an equally vital part of her work. The Museum of Modern Art exhibition Kiki Smith: Prints, Books, and Things (on view at MoMA QNS until March 8, 2004) and its accompanying catalogue showcase the scope of Smith's printed art and presents it thematically, focusing on such topics as anatomy, self-portraiture, nature, and female iconography. Reflecting the same thematic arrangement, the Web site and onsite kiosks foster a rich understanding of her innovative body of printed art, illustrating over 135 works in more than 50 comparative groupings.

Rather than just offering snapshots of Smith's artwork, the concept for the online exhibition was to create a contiguous and fluid approach to offer visitors a truly engaging experience. Utilizing Flash MX with Zoomify, visitors are transported into the online gallery with the ability to zoom into each artwork, bringing the smallest details of the artist's work to life. Visitors can explore the virtual "gallery walls" following a seamless journey through the landscape of each theme, zooming and panning from one view to the next. Through video footage of the artist working in print workshops and details of two prints in various stages of development, visitors experience Smith’s creative process firsthand. People hear Smith, see her working, and are immersed in the layered approach of printmaking.

Curatorial direction for the site was by the exhibition’s curator Wendy Weitman, Curator, Department of Prints and Illustrated Books, with Judith B. Hecker, Assistant Curator, Department of Prints and Illustrated Books, who also served as the project lead. Creative and production management was by Allegra Burnette, Creative Manager, and George Hunka, Producer, Digital Media Department, The Museum of Modern Art.

The exhibition is made possible by Agnes Gund and Daniel Shapiro. Generous support is also provided by the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Emily Fisher Landau, and Jerry I. Speyer and Katherine G. Farley. Additional funding is provided by The Contemporary Arts Council of The Museum of Modern Art. The accompanying educational programs are made possible by BNP Paribas.