Time Based Media

Media descriptions should not include the digital storage format like DVD or hard drive, but may include film size (16mm, etc.).

Single-channel video: used if the work is being presented on a monitor.

Single-channel video projection: used if the work is projected.

Single-channel video installation: used if monitor(s) or other equipment are viewed by the artist as sculptural elements.

Installation: is used in publications if multiple presentation formats are possible (labels describe the format being presented in the galleries).

Multi-Channel film and video

For works comprising a variable number of monitors, “multi-channel” or “multi-monitor video installation” may be used instead.

The number of channels in a video work should always be specified. This number is typically spelled out rather than represented by numerals.

Two-channel video
Three-channel video
Four-channel video

In the case of multichannel works featuring videos of different lengths or closed-circuit video installations and other live-feed installations that do not have a fixed duration, a running time should not be included.

Sound

If there is a soundtrack, include this information by noting “with sound.” In publications, it should also be indicated if a work is silent. (“Silent” is not noted on artwork labels.)

Single-channel video, with sound, 10:30 min.
Single-channel video, silent, 10:30 min.

Details about the type of sound may be included if known and/or at the artist’s request (e.g., “mono sound,” “stereo sound,” “Dolby Digital surround sound”).

Loops

Because videos are generally presented on a loop in galleries it is not necessary to indicate that a video is looped unless looping is a conceptually significant theme within the work.

Three-channel HD video installation with sound, 12 min.

Three-channel HD video installation with sound, 12 min. loop

Color

“Color” and “black and white” are not typically specified on wall labels or in image captions for video works, as these details are evident to museum visitors and readers.

“Color” or “black and white” should, however, be indicated for film projections, as this indicates a particular type of film stock. Film descriptions also use a slightly different style to indicate the soundtrack (omitting “with”):

16mm, color, sound, 5:12 min.
16mm, black and white, silent, 5:12 min. [note no hyphens in black and white]

“HD video” may be specified if applicable; SD is not necessary to specify. Use of this general terminology is preferable to indicating exhibition-copy media formats such as “DVD,” especially as those formats are subject to change and Blanton now typically uses digital video files as exhibition copies.

Single-channel HD video projection with sound, 8:38 min., dimensions variable

Web

Medium lines for web projects can include the project URL in parentheses:

Web project (hyplink)

Film

Medium descriptions for film transferred to video (i.e., for the gallery context) follow the label style:

35mm film transferred to video, with sound, 21:06 min.

Equipment

Blanton’s current editorial style calls for avoiding mention of specific models of display equipment (Sony PVM monitor, Pioneer 7400 DVD player, etc.) and omitting identification of exhibition copy or master media formats (DVD, laser disc, etc.) in display mediums. To note equipment that is dedicated to the piece and/or important to the understanding of the work, use the type of equipment rather than the specific model (e.g., “haze machine”).

Medium descriptions for slide works should include the number of slides and, if more than a single projection is involved, the number of projections. (Some artists may prefer the description “projected images”; when in doubt consult Curatorial.) Because the duration of projected works may vary slightly, a duration or running time does not needed to be included unless a timer is integral to the work). It is not necessary to specify the format of the slides (i.e., 35mm):

Slide projection, 80 slides
Eight slide projections, 320 slides

Credits

Production and performance credits, including Blanton commission credits, where applicable, should be listed below the artwork credit line on labels (see page 19). In general, it is preferable to omit such credits from image captions; when it is necessary to retain them, they should be as condensed as possible and appear before the credit line, so that they are always the final component of the caption.

Blanton Museum of Art: Info and Procedural Guide