Equal or More Than

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EXHIBITION STUDIO WORKSHOP- OBJECT PROJECT:

17th- 31st October 2017

ESW, E Block, Chelsea College of Arts

As part of our first introductory session as MA Curating and Collections students, we were required to bring in an object, which symbolized and represented our personalities, interests or background. From this we would link and categorize a display using combinations of these valued objects, which we would then collectively place in the vitrines of the Exhibition Studio Workshop.

from left to right: 'Cootie catcher’, Alexandra McQueen postcard from V&A Museum, Lobster pendant, ‘Bunny’ Toy, New Zealand Paūa Shell Salt and Pepper Shakers, Lighter with a picture of the Pope from Rome, Large hair grip, Tea Pot, Ear plugs, Postcard, Wrist band, Toilet Roll, Lanyard, Fluffy Key ring & Final Degree Show Book. Image taken on 17th October (Photo credit: Shan Jiang)

Documented in the image above, we gathered 15 objects; some at first glace, appeared mundane, uninteresting and insignificant however, once given a context and personal correlations, enabled the collection to communicate an interesting message. After listening to everyone’s statement about their selected object, we began the curatorial task.

Methodology

As this was new territory for most of us, our initial subject matter and theme did not come straight away. Affectively it required us each to recite our objects and their story once more so that everyone could easily pick up reoccurring themes and combine them with one another; either in comparisons, or even contrasts.

In the end we decided that the main theme and message surrounding this display of our objects was ultimately about collecting things unintentionally and holding a purpose for them, regardless of their physicality or form. For example, the majority of the objects were either everyday objects or embodied some bearing to personal history; family members, partners, friends who are no longer with us or even University colleagues.

My object, was Paūa Shell Salt and Pepper Shakers that were given to my parents as a wedding anniversary gift. Paūa is the Māori name given to three species of large edible sea snails, ‘marine gastropod molluscs’ more commonly known in the United Kingdom as ‘ormer shells’. The Pāua is extremely iconic in New Zealand and the shell is frequently used in luxury jewellery. The shakers were given to my parents by our relatives who live over in New Zealand, and I found it an interesting concept that my parents would rather use the shakers as mantle piece object, for display, rather than for its actual purpose, which is ultimately for salt and pepper.

Paūa Shell Salt and Pepper Shakers obtained from New Zealand. Image taken on 17th October (Photo credit: myself)

Once we got a rough idea regarding combinations of objects and how we wanted to link them all we moved on to locating and displaying them into two vitrines. As we were the first group to complete this exercise we had the choice to choose out of four display vitrines so we went for the two that were in the corners facing the window.

The main concern that kept occurring throughout the displaying and evaluation process was making sure that our links were not too obvious, for example that certain colours or materials were not evidently placed next to one another. We wanted to embody this idea that all the objects were of value to each participating individual however the more family and personal history related ones connected both sides, which made sense to place both on the top sections. There was also some relevance to culture and items obtained from abroad, which was a consistent theme that spread all the way through both vitrines.

Evaluation

In terms of concluding and evaluating the first curatorial task for this course, there were definitely many challenges in the coordination of this group exercise. Personal stories were interpreted differently because of language barriers and miscommunication but this was quickly resolved by reciting and going over each other’s meanings again. Some of us found it easier to speak out and involve ourselves in the task than others, but maybe that was down to lack of confidence as it was only the second week of the course.

I found the task really insightful and helpful, as I have never worked with object-based ‘artworks’ before. I did however do a similar task in my A-level Fine Art class, randomly grouping personal objects together to compose a still life, to then sketch and produce a painting. I also used the same Paūa Shell salt and pepper shakers. They are beautiful to look at and extremely eye-catching because of the shiny pattern on the shell. An unusual object with a clear purpose however, not used for that. However, with regard to the task, using objects to curate a small show essentially did get me thinking that objects have the power to demonstrate so many different narratives, with history and personal connections. Curating is about recognizing what those stories ultimately build up to communicate and how the viewer interprets it. It has taught me about reading into more of the mundane and appreciating everything more, which is expressed in the title; this idea of using multiple equal objects, to create something greater, something more.

Installation pano of both vitrines in the Exhibition Studio Workshop. Image taken on 17th October (Photo credit: myself)

Installation of LEFT vitrine- Paūa Shell Salt and Pepper Shakers, Lobster Pendant, Lanyard, Lighter, Bunny Toy, Wristband and Postcard. Image taken on 17th October (Photo credit: myself)

Installation of RIGHT vitrine- Toilet Roll, Tea Pot, Earplugs, Hair tie, Alexandra McQueen Postcard, Degree Show Book and ‘Cootie Catcher’, (Fluffy key ring should be at the bottom but is not shown in photograph) Image taken on 17th October (Photo credit: myself)