From Canvas to Concept: How a Visit to the Raclin Murphy Art Museum Refueled Our Design Team’s Creativity

This past Thursday, the Design Team took a creative break to seek inspiration from history and the future of art. The Raclin Murphy Museum of Art recently opened on Notre Dame’s campus in our community. The Design Team traveled as a group and wandered the halls of the beautifully curated exhibits. Raclin Murphy, with a wide variety of art from across the centuries and the globe, allowed the members of our team to think beyond what we see in our day-to-day.

The Design team at the Raclin Murphy Art Museum

European and American Exhibit: A Lesson in Composition and Detail

The European and American exhibit displayed how elements can be manipulated and varied in order to create more compelling compositions. The attention to detail artists had during those time periods allowed the audience to feel as if they were a part of the scene themselves, whether that was through the use of eye direction on the subjects or through concepts such as tenebrism and chiaroscuro. As designers and artists, this is a goal we strive to achieve. We want to engage with our audiences through compelling compositions that feel personable.

Indigenous Arts and African Exhibits: Intentionality in Design

The Indigenous Arts of the Americas and the African exhibit brought about the concept of being intentional and purposeful with designs. Art from these exhibits and cultures were all created with a purpose whether that was for religious beliefs or for everyday use. The items on display were powerful as you could see the dedication and desire the artists had to create them during the time periods and how important the items would have been. Art/Design of any form holds purpose regardless if it is to communicate a message or to solely make someone smile, there is intention behind it.

Framed Typeface at the Raclin Murphy Art Museum

International Modern and Contemporary Art: Pushing Creative Boundaries

The International Modern and Contemporary exhibit inspired us to push our creative boundaries. Modern art is vibrant, bold, and revolutionary. The paintings and sculptures in the exhibit can be considered vastly different, but in fact, that is their one commonality. The artists use their passion to create and bring something brand new to humanity in hopes someone will connect or relate. As a Design Team, we want to collaborate in order to bring new ideas and designs to the world that someone will interact with.

Architectural and Interior Design Inspiration

Raclin Murphy was nothing short of inspiring. Even the architecture and interior design of the museum were energizing for our team. The use of type on the exhibit walls was clear and executed to perfection. The type was then matched with rich colors on the walls that were placed to be framed by entryways. It drew us in right from the beginning.

The International Modern and Contemporary exhibit at The Raclin Murphy Art Museum

The Impact of Our Visit on Team Creativity

The Design Team will return to Raclin Murphy and will continue to find new ways to get inspired. Inspiration is anything that stimulates the mind to think from a different perspective, rejuvenates and energizes our drive to design, and/or fabricates a space to be fully open to new concepts. Creative breaks source a form of inspiration for our team. Trips, such as the one to Raclin Murphy, allow us to refresh, connect, and continually progress the boundaries of our designs. Our designs become more innovative. Our designers become more passionate. Every project we create serves as an example of the importance of continual creative inspiration and renewal. As a team, we will stay dedicated to being humble, hungry, and smart and to continually seek inspiration.