This multi-sensory exhibition included a tactile moment that incorporated materials similar to those Gibson used to make his artworks. Visitors were invited to run their fingers over these materials to feel the many different textures, make the fringe sway, and hear the jingles.

WHAT VISITORS HAD TO SAY:

“It gave you a deeper understanding of the art. In feeling all of these individual beads, I realized how long it probably took to make all those works.”

“I think it adds another layer to the experience.”

“I definitely gravitate towards things I can touch because I’m a tactile person. I like to touch things, so the fact that you have this as part of the exhibit even though it’s not necessarily his work…it was a bonus.”

“You want to touch everything and so you’re like “Okay I can relieve myself, I can touch something.” Plus when you have that interaction between art and individual, it makes it a stronger connection.”

“It was cool to be able to like after seeing these things, to be able to come up and feel them…I didn’t do it on the way in. But after seeing it, I was like, Oh! I wanna see what these feel like.”

We asked Jeffrey Gibson to curate a playlist of songs that inspired him for this exhibition. It welcomed visitors at the entrance and played inside the galleries as they looked at his work. You can listen to the full playlist here.

Visitor comments:

• “Mr. Gibson piped in his own playlist of Disco and dance music into the gallery, something all artists are now required to do.”

• “It was accompanied by most fantastic soundtrack of tunes.”

• “Best musical playlist heard in a museum ever!”

• “Loved seeing and hearing the interaction between music, politics, and art.”