The Artifactual Collection

pine, oak, acrylic, iron pip, brass, copper, found objects, paper, 2018

By manipulating the found objects themselves and through adding or subtracting elements, each assemblage is turned into a precious one of a kind specimen that has a new story. Since each piece is displayed as a one of a kind treasure, the viewer is made aware of what makes it special by the addition of a nameplate below. Each nameplate communicates the object’s new found past. For instance, the mounted head of a toy bison becomes The first bison tried, convicted and executed for treason, or a found doll arm is now displayed as The arm of a Fiji Mermaid, on loan from P.T. Barnum. There are numerous precious objects displayed in this fashion, and to further increase the appearance of archival display, a ladder, influenced by the rolling library ladders, is placed among the boxes forming a physical bridge between objects and viewers by inviting and facilitating closer inspection.