Please Don't Touch The Art

Written by Noah Bosch and Directed by Harrison Orwig, the film follows Mercy an avant-garde artist struggling with criticism and the limitations of her work. Set within her art gallery, the story explores her confrontation with an art critic, Cyrus, whose dismissive review of her exhibit stirs deep emotions. As the night progresses, Cyrus undergoes a transformation that physically manifests his disdain for art, ultimately becoming a part of the gallery's unsettling collection. The film delves into themes of artistic vulnerability, the subjective nature of art, and the tension between creator and critic.

As the production designer for "Please Don't Touch the Art," I aimed to create a space that embodied the dualities present in Mercy's character and her artwork. We shot on location in an art collective venue space, which provided a raw, authentic backdrop. I used found objects to craft a gallery that felt both sparse and cold, yet inviting, with warm wood tones and comfortable seating juxtaposed against the starkness of the space.

For the art collection, I designed and produced avant-garde pieces that varied in size and medium, intentionally using unconventional materials like cigarette butts, broken mirror shards, palm fronds, and hair extensions. These materials reflected Mercy's pain and the complexity of her emotions as an artist. The artworks were meant to provoke thought and invite interaction, emphasizing the irony of the gallery's "no touching" rule.

To deepen the immersive experience, I also wrote detailed descriptions for each piece, adding a layer of narrative to the gallery. During the shoot, we hosted a live art gala where guests could interact with the art, participate in a live auction via a custom website I created, and enjoy refreshments. This event was not only a practical success, raising funds and promoting local artists, but it also enhanced the film's authenticity by blurring the line between the real and fictional worlds.

Additionally, I crafted key props like "The Hook" and pedestal, and collaborated with the artist collective to feature vintage art and sculptures. This collaboration helped to integrate the work of local artists into the narrative, enriching the gallery's atmosphere and making the setting a true extension of the film's themes.