Configuring Reception: (Dis)Regarding the 'Spectator' in Museums and Galleries (original) (raw)

2004, Theory Culture & Society

Despite the growing sociological interest in the object, and the longstanding tradition in the humanities and social sciences with the creation of art and artefacts, there is relatively little research concerned with how people in ordinary day to day circumstances explore and respond to exhibits in museums and galleries. In this paper, we address the conduct and interaction of visitors to museums and galleries and consider how they examine and experience objects and artefacts in collaboration with each other. In particular, we address the ways in which one participant shapes, through gesture and talk, how those they are with look at and respond to exhibits.