MoMA: Kirchner & the Berlin Street

Behavior designed the web site and kiosk virtual browsing interface for the MoMA exhibition for German Expressionist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Kirchner is renowned for his Street Scenes series, created between 1913 and 1915. This series is considered by many to be the highpoint of Kirchner’s career as a whole and its seven paintings are showcased with sixty related prints and drawings.

The web site features selections from 3 sketchbooks. The exhibition is organized around four themes: “City Scenes”; “the Nude Outside”; “the Nude in the Studio”; and “the Cabaret”.

The remaining design inspiration for the Kirchner site came from notions of passing time, elongated figures, and glimpses into the worlds of others.

The “Setting the Stage” section provides both a biographical and contextual view into the life and work of Kirchner as he progressed toward his Street Scenes masterpieces. The vertical slats allow the user to explore the subject matter and highlight points of interest upon rollover. The interactivity allows vibrant colors to stand above the remaining content, cast as duo and mono-tone treatments. The other elements recede into the background.