Assignment: Exhibition Review of the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Objective:

Students will visit the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan. With your CUNY ID, you will get in for free. You will critically analyze and review the American wing, focusing on the themes, historical context, and the significance of the artworks displayed.

Instructions:

1. Visit the American Wing:
   • Plan a visit to the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
   • Spend sufficient time observing and taking notes on the artworks, the layout of the galleries, and any accompanying information or media.
   • Spend time writing down your initial impressions of formal analysis
   • Sketch artworks that stand out to you
2. Research:

   Conduct background research on the artists and historical periods represented in the American Wing that you want to address in your review

   Investigate the historical and social context of the artworks.

   Review any critical literature or previous reviews of works that you will discuss if they are available (see Resource Collections on the Manifold course site)

   • The Met Heilbrunn: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah
   • Search American Paintings and Sculpture
   • Or American Decorative Arts
   • Use the Smart History search bar and type in the American art movement you are looking for, the name of the work of art, or the artist.

1. Write Your Review:
   • Introduction (150-200 words):
     • Provide basic information about the American Wing: its location, the scope of the collection, and the main themes or focus.
     • State the purpose of your review and what aspects you will be covering.
   • Description and Analysis (600-800 words):
     • Describe the overall layout and design of the American Wing. How are the artworks arranged? What is the flow of the galleries?
     • Analyze at least three key artworks in detail. Discuss their visual characteristics, the medium used, and their thematic significance.
     • Consider how the exhibition reflects the social, political, or cultural history of the United States.
     • Discuss any interactive or multimedia components of the galleries. How do they enhance or detract from the viewer’s experience?
   • Critical Evaluation (300-400 words):
     • Evaluate the success of the American Wing in conveying its themes and engaging the audience.
     • Discuss any strengths or weaknesses in the curation of the galleries.
     • Reflect on your personal experience and any insights you gained about American art.
   • Conclusion (150-200 words):
     • Summarize your main points and restate your overall impression of the American Wing.
     • Suggest any improvements or changes you would recommend for the galleries.
2. Submission Guidelines:
   • Your review should be between 1200-1500 words.
   • Include any photographs or sketches you made during your visit as appendices (optional).
   • Cite any sources you used for research in a bibliography at the end of your review.
   • Submit your review to the professor’s email: maura.mccreight50@login.cuny.edu or maura.mccreight@citytech.cuny.edu by December 16^th, 2024 11:59pm. No late acceptances.
3. Evaluation Criteria:
   • Clarity and coherence of writing.
   • Depth of analysis and critical thinking.
   • Use of evidence and examples from the American Wing.
   • Quality of research and proper citation of sources.
   • Originality and personal insight
   • Strong formal analysis writing

Rubric for Exhibition Review