When visiting a museum, it’s easy to overlook wall labels amidst the surrounding artwork and the lively atmosphere. However, I do pay attention when these labels seem to engage with me, or when they fail to do so. They serve a critical role beyond merely listing the artist’s name; they’re a direct line of communication between the institution and its visitors. On those rare occasions when labels engage me thoughtfully and invite contemplation rather than dictating what to think, I feel more welcomed in the museum space.
In a compelling essay, art critic Aruna D’Souza delves into what makes an effective wall label and emphasizes that their significance extends beyond the art itself, touching on community aspects as well. —Natalie Haddad, reviews editor
Aruna D’Souza shares insights from her visit to the 36th Bienal de São Paulo, critiquing the exhibition’s didactics. She notes, “There was a lot to commend about this thought-provoking exhibition … here I want to focus on the show’s didactics, which were — not to put too fine a point on it — pretty bad.” The labels were often in difficult-to-locate spots, turning the exhibition experience into something akin to a scavenger hunt.
