Found on a Survey

pine, glass, found objects 2018

This work addresses the ability of the display case itself to heighten the value of the objects placed inside. In this case, the objects are left unaltered, remaining in the condition in which they were discovered by the archaeologist along different roads and highways during regular Department of Transportation work. In fact, these objects are indeed artifacts; after all, an archaeologist in the field recovered them. However, these items are unprovenanced, which deprives them of archaeological value and relegates them to the status of trash found along the roadway. That does not make them any less interesting or capable of producing meaning, especially if displayed in a custom-built case. The piece asks the viewer to look at what is basically garbage discarded by motorists and find meaning and importance.