Above the World is a fictional museum exhibition that would be set to take place at the Smithsonian. Inspired by the song Space Oddity by David Bowie, I wanted my exhibit to reflect on a more obscure idea then what is presented at surface level, so I went in the route of escapism.

 

The goal of this museum exhibit is to reflect on the history of escapism in America, and how it has evolved in the digital age. Not only that, but the exhibit itself is meant to work as an interactive escapist experience. The goal is to constantly keep the viewer engaged, and create an almost otherworldly atmosphere by utilizing the entire space of the exhibition. Lights, videos, colors, and sounds lead the viewer through a journey deeper and deeper into the interesting history, and compelling future of escapism in America. VR headsets and a 360 degree micro-theater would make up the most engaging aspects of the exhibit, featuring content from videographers that would rotate out every few months to keep people coming back for more.

 

For the identity, I wanted to take inspiration from the connection between escapism and space exploration. That feeling of drifting off into nothing and out of reality, the way Major Tom did in the song, is represented with the small spaceman floating freely. I brought in some circles and curvilinear lines as secondary marks to create a more abstract view of space. The bright color palette and the effects used on both the logo mark and the type are meant to give an electric feeling to it, connecting it back to exhibits technological influences. The effect is also meant to give the feeling of something slowly drifting apart, losing its pieces and eventually falling away from one another. The hope is to use these aspects to create intrigue within any potential viewers.

 

The marketing campaign would rely heavily on social media but would have environmental graphics that would lead people to these channels as well. These street signs would engage potential visitors at high traffic areas like bus stops and shopping malls in D.C. and other large cities, while the social media would provide more in depth information. Finally, creating items like a gallery guide and merchandise that the visitors can take with them after the experience would not only keep them connected to the brand and the museum, but will also help spread the word about the exhibit in their own personal circles as well.