Call for submissions for Phantoms and Mirages Within the Archival Paradigm


We are currently accepting “new media” and digital artwork submissions for consideration related to themes of archives and preservation, and the issues surrounding them.

 
DateWednesday, December 16, 2015 - 5:00am to Friday, January 8, 2016 - 5:00am

Email

phantomsmiragessubmissions@gmail.com

Website

http://www.facebook.com/events/1163546937007941

Phantoms and Mirages Within the Archival Paradigm is an exhibition exploring issues pertaining to contemporary archival and preservation practices.

In his essay Preservation is Overtaking Us, Robert Koolhaus argues that preservation has risen to an almost absurd degree, where objects, sites, and buildings with even the most minimal importance are subjected to preservation. The saturation of images and objects presented in postmodern society raises the issue of what to keep. What contemporary objects are truly important if everything is preserved?

Like the Kunstkabinett of the European renaissance preceding them, archives present an alluring spectacle evoking mysticism and the promise of elusive information. They invite observers to enter and access a wealth of knowledge, and present a potential for discovery. However, while this may seem compelling and positive in theory, those seeking information must be conscious that this image of objectivity is merely a mirage. Information is often skewed and contorted, or altogether displaced. The combined influences of censorship and curation alter “fact” in a way that has the power to dictate how future generations may perceive historical events and fleeting contexts. As a result, archival information may ultimately refer more to a suggested interpretation of historic events than concrete fact, dictating history in favour of its preservers. The archive presents an alternate reality, an image of mirage. The creation of these altered identities and histories result in the creation of an ulterior plane – archives exist as entities outside of the factual world.

In Phantoms and Mirages Within the Archival Paradigm, we aim to challenge how we interpret history through the material presented in archives, and the state of our fluctuating contemporary identity. What is absent from archives will be explored: obsolete technologies, marginalized communities and those without the financial means to archive and preserve disappear from the archival records, or become represented through the narrative of an outside source. The loss of spirituality and aura of objects when they are archived will also be examined, as a phantom of the archival paradigm. If archives exist from a desire for self-preservation, do they retain the spirit of the individual or group? By examining archival practices we aim to create discourse concerning the aforementioned dilemmas.

We are currently accepting “new media” and digital artwork submissions for consideration related to themes of archives and preservation, and the issues surrounding them. We are also accepting work in the form of essays and related critical writings.
Please include:
- A 250-word description or proposal of your intended artwork, as well as all relevant information pertaining to your work. (including documentation or visual aids for proposed works)
- CV or brief artist statement.
- Examples of past work (photos, videos, portfolio or website).
All applications should be sent via email to:
phantomsmiragessubmissions@gmail.com by 11.59 pm, Friday January 8th, 2016.

DateWednesday, December 16, 2015 - 5:00am to Friday, January 8, 2016 - 5:00am

Email

phantomsmiragessubmissions@gmail.com

Website

http://www.facebook.com/events/1163546937007941

photograph of large blocks of shredded paper
Wednesday, December 16, 2015 - 5:00am to Friday, January 8, 2016 - 5:00am

Phantoms and Mirages Within the Archival Paradigm is an exhibition exploring issues pertaining to contemporary archival and preservation practices.

In his essay Preservation is Overtaking Us, Robert Koolhaus argues that preservation has risen to an almost absurd degree, where objects, sites, and buildings with even the most minimal importance are subjected to preservation. The saturation of images and objects presented in postmodern society raises the issue of what to keep. What contemporary objects are truly important if everything is preserved?

Like the Kunstkabinett of the European renaissance preceding them, archives present an alluring spectacle evoking mysticism and the promise of elusive information. They invite observers to enter and access a wealth of knowledge, and present a potential for discovery. However, while this may seem compelling and positive in theory, those seeking information must be conscious that this image of objectivity is merely a mirage. Information is often skewed and contorted, or altogether displaced. The combined influences of censorship and curation alter “fact” in a way that has the power to dictate how future generations may perceive historical events and fleeting contexts. As a result, archival information may ultimately refer more to a suggested interpretation of historic events than concrete fact, dictating history in favour of its preservers. The archive presents an alternate reality, an image of mirage. The creation of these altered identities and histories result in the creation of an ulterior plane – archives exist as entities outside of the factual world.

In Phantoms and Mirages Within the Archival Paradigm, we aim to challenge how we interpret history through the material presented in archives, and the state of our fluctuating contemporary identity. What is absent from archives will be explored: obsolete technologies, marginalized communities and those without the financial means to archive and preserve disappear from the archival records, or become represented through the narrative of an outside source. The loss of spirituality and aura of objects when they are archived will also be examined, as a phantom of the archival paradigm. If archives exist from a desire for self-preservation, do they retain the spirit of the individual or group? By examining archival practices we aim to create discourse concerning the aforementioned dilemmas.

We are currently accepting “new media” and digital artwork submissions for consideration related to themes of archives and preservation, and the issues surrounding them. We are also accepting work in the form of essays and related critical writings.
Please include:
- A 250-word description or proposal of your intended artwork, as well as all relevant information pertaining to your work. (including documentation or visual aids for proposed works)
- CV or brief artist statement.
- Examples of past work (photos, videos, portfolio or website).
All applications should be sent via email to:
phantomsmiragessubmissions@gmail.com by 11.59 pm, Friday January 8th, 2016.

Website: 
http://www.facebook.com/events/1163546937007941
Email: 
phantomsmiragessubmissions@gmail.com
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