Five Twists on Chronological

Time — the “T” in the L.A.T.C.H. concept — is one of the five fundamental organizing principles of exhibitions. See them all here.

Chronology is a common exhibition structure. But there are more twists on it than you think.

Here are five ways to organize chronologically:

1. Linear:
Events exhibited in the order they occurred. Maybe a flashback or two for clarity. Otherwise straight.

2. Real-Time:
Familiar from serial TV, real-time doesn’t stop. It evokes real life.

3. Reverse:
Events displayed backwards from actual order, for a specific purpose.

4. Fractured:
In fractured (nonlinear), the exhibition moves back and forth between the past, present, and future. The narrative is different than actual sequence.

4a. Flashback:
One of the two techniques that creates nonlinear. A jump back in time, making a point without disrupting overall flow.

4b. Flash-Forward:
Like a flashback, but forwards.

5. Framed:
In framed, the story is one big flashback — aka “story within a story”.

Here’s the thing:
Chronology is common, but there are twists. Next time, consider linear, real-time, reverse, fractured or framed.

Warmly,
Jonathan

P.S. Got another variation? Hit REPLY and LMK.