Le Retour des Ténèbres - Musée Rath, Geneva
"Le Retour des Ténèbres," or "The Return of Darkness," was a unique exhibition that explored two centuries of artistic interpretations of fear and the macabre.
Taking inspiration from seminal works like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and John Polidori's The Vampyre, which both marked the beginning of modern horror literature in the early 19th century, the exhibition aimed to trace the evolution of dread through various forms of art over the last two hundred years. This meant delving into the ways artists have used horror, darkness, and the uncanny to explore themes of the unknown, the grotesque, and the supernatural.
The design of the exhibition was deeply rooted in creating an immersive atmosphere that echoed the sensations and themes prevalent in horror storytelling. By adopting "horror movie-style tricks," the curators and designers crafted a space that not only displayed art but actively evoked the feeling of stepping into a chilling narrative.
Services:
Exhibition Design
Visualisation
The exhibition made extensive use of dim, strategic lighting to cast eerie shadows across the space. Just like in horror films, where light can reveal or conceal elements, the lighting design played with viewers' perception, creating a sense of unease. Shadows would stretch, flicker, or loom over certain exhibits, emphasising the darker aspects of the pieces and creating a sense of foreboding.
The exhibition's layout was designed to guide visitors through a narrative-like experience. Instead of a linear path, the space was filled with twists, turns, and hidden corners, reminiscent of a haunted house or labyrinth.
Visitors would often find themselves led to unexpected displays or areas, creating a sense of discovery akin to uncovering the mysteries within a horror story. Narrow hallways, darkened rooms, and sudden openings kept visitors on edge, adding to the sense of disorientation and suspense.
Credits
Bobby Baker
Environments Designer & Visualiser
InterestingProjects
Design Practice