Archive R&R
Working in Mills College Art Museum's Exhibition Archive from October through November of 2018, a series of experiments with archive data were produced. With the multitude of starting points available from almost 100 years of exhibitions in a wide variety of media, a lab was created to synthesize information into unexpected formats for viewer engagement. Compost was made and enlivened with ceramic exhibition data. Essential oils were distilled from exhibition data and flora found in the locale of campus, and using natural essence water - from a water source on site - perfumes were created. Other objects harkened to history of the archive room, and expanded avenues for consuming and viewing the vast archive. The lab technician and temporary archivist were present for viewers four times through the month to activate and display the work being done to unpack the archive for museum patrons.