In
July of 2001 Roger was approached by the Confederated Tribes
of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians. Initially sought out for his
expertise in creating interactive presentations, the
responsibilities grew to include art direction, design and installation of
a 1300 square foot interpretive center in the Tribe’s administrative
building.
This
installation posed challenges which went well beyond that of creating an interpretive
center that engages its audience while seamlessly passing its information
to the viewer. The location within the government headquarters called for
a design that diverged from the model seen at other installations throughout
the State.
Rather
than attempting to shape the space itself with facades of native structures,
we chose to visually eliminate the space, painting the walls a dark cranberry
and the ceilings nearly black. Against this backdrop we used lighting to direct
the viewers attention to the artifacts, photographs, interpretive text and
graphics. The resulting simplicity allows the viewer to see and digest each
idea without the usual cacophony of images and information associated with
so many collections and installations.
This
approach imbues the artifacts and archival materials with a sense of visual
dignity and respect. The exhibition gives expression to the Tribe's spirit
in a manner that affirms the value of their unique cultural heritage.
