SHAPE 2017 TateExchange Book FINAL Draft - Flipbook - Page 22
We all interpret art: that is its purpose. So, by removing audio interpretation
the whole understanding of the artwork is lost. Audio interpretation
(suggestions, questions and feelings) can all help the visually impaired visitor
to have a more interactive experience and bring them out of the role of
passive listener.
Audio narration can also bring the artworks to life for visually impaired
visitors by giving some of the context behind the artworks. This is especially
useful when it is the artist themselves giving the audience the privilege of
observing their own thought patterns.
Why Not be Creative with Audio Description?
As the population ages and more people become visually impaired, it is up to
galleries/museums and artists to offer exciting new ways of audio describing
their artworks. Thinking of what they are offering, why, who to, by whom,
how it can be different; can touch be utilised, can artworks be commissioned
that have audio description intrinsic to the artwork itself, etc.
Many questions to be had. Let’s watch this space.
18
