Exhibition Branding and Graphics for Women Artists Retrospective

As They Saw it: Women Artists Then & Now

Designing a thoughtful and engaging experience that amplifies the voices of women artists.

Brief

This project required an exhibition design that elevated the themes of women’s creativity and resilience while addressing the logistical needs of two distinct museum settings.

  • Role

    Exhibition Graphic Designer
  • Studio

    Joelle Riffle
  • Collaborators

    This exhibition was co-curated by Martina Tanga and Erica Hirshler, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Maggie North and Sophie Combs, Springfield Museums; and Ann Cannon and Julia Madore, Fenimore Art Museum.
  • Deliverables

    - Exhibition brand identity - Title wall design - Exhibit section labels and artwork label templates (bilingual) - Interactive exhibition brochure design and production
  • Client

    "The MFA has shared works from its collection with four partner museums across the Northeast as part of the Art Bridges Initiative. This program by the Art Bridges Foundation builds on its mission to expand access to American art across the United States."

Interactive Brochure: The brochure features a die-cut cover that mirrors the shape of a vase by Maija Grotell, framing Self-Portraits in Mirror by Oriole Farb. This interactive design invites visitors to use the cutout as a photo frame, encouraging engagement with the exhibition and its themes of perspective and identity.
Typography: The exhibition features Amarga, a serif font with high contrast and pointed terminals designed by a female type designer. Its inclusion complements the show’s all-female roster of artists, curators, and designers, reinforcing the exhibition’s celebration of women’s contributions to the arts.
Color Palette: Inspired by recurring blue-green tones found in the featured works, the color palette unifies the exhibition while allowing each piece to stand out.
In Their Own Words: A special booklet embedded within the brochure features reflections from three artists, printed on cream stock to create a tactile and intimate addition.
Bilingual Design:
To serve audiences across both museums, all exhibition text, labels, and brochures were designed in English and Spanish with equal prominence. The design ensures clarity, readability, and a harmonious presentation, supporting the Springfield Museums' community-oriented mission while making the exhibition accessible to diverse visitors.
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