Five Twists on Chronology

(Time — the “T” in L.A.T.C.H. — 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:

1. Linear:
Events exhibited in the order they occurred. Maybe a flashback or two for clarity, but otherwise classic.

2. Real-Time:
Familiar from serial TV, real-time has no gaps or flashes. It evokes real life.

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

4. Fractured:
In fractured (nonlinear), the exhibition moves back and forth frequently between the past, present, and future. The narrative is not the same as the actual sequence.

4a. Flashback:
One of two techniques that creates nonlinear. A jump backward 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, walking the visitor through and back — aka “story within a story”.

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

Warmly,
Jonathan

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