Artists in the Archives-Unseen Neighbors: Community, History & Collage

Collage artists have unique skills that are particularly useful in our historical moment. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Sheldon Stewart-Swift Research Center we invited an international network of collage artists to engage with historical material in our archive. 

Using our collection, artists from Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Poland, Scotland, Ukraine, and several US states reflected on the idea of community in the 21st century world. The resulting folio of 24 collage prints incorporates commentary on a multitude of themes such as social connections, race and gender, nature, food, and industry. Artists also explore the Eurocentric nature of the local community and the resulting absence of more diverse representation in the Sheldon’s collection. 

Under the curatorial direction of Kolaj Institute Director Ric Kasini Kadour, and with the support of the Research Center staff, Eva Garcelon-Hart and Taylor Rossini, this exhibit poses the questions: How do we see one another? Who do we notice and who do we forget ? How do we represent that visually? 

The exhibit’s accompanying book, published by Kolaj Institute, is available in the Museum Store for purchase.  

This exhibit and associated programs are supported by Walter Cerf Community Fund and Stewart-Swift Research Center donors.