This work
addresses issues of exclusivity, value, wealth vs poverty, ownership, lack of access vs
accessibility, privilege and status.
The original
Wunderkammern were limited to those who could afford them, and thus were
markers of privilege, status and exclusivity. Those who collected the ‘curious’
and fantastical objects were wealthy rulers, aristocrats and merchants – with
the means and time to undertake expensive journeys and travel trade routes. The objects collected were exclusive, special
and rare, and therefore expensive. Museums have become the modern cabinets of
curiosities – where the ‘populace’ is admitted (at a price) and allowed to peer
through glass at exclusive objects (but not to touch). Judgement is passed not
only on the value of objects, but also on the status of the viewer.
I would argue
that the curious detritus of modern industrial and technological society are no
less fantastical and worthy of our attention and scrutiny. Anyone can build such a collection – the
objects are available to anyone for free, and no expensive journeys are
necessary.
A Hoi Polloi Cabinet of Curiosities is
totally accessible to the viewer, who may touch the objects. If the viewer so
wishes, he or she may also remove a card with an object and take ownership.
At the end of the exhibition, 22 object cards had been removed:
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