Meghan Gordon

The value of a utilitarian object becomes compounded by historical importance when it enters a museum collection. My work probes this curatorial projection of aesthetic, monetary and historic value onto objects. For example, I created the sculpture entitled "Salvatore Scibona's Typewriter (on which he wrote his highly acclaimed novel, THE END)" by wrapping the individual parts of the typewriter in bits of drawing paper until I could remove a paper cast. I glued these parts together forming a hollow original. The result is a paper replica of an object that has not yet entered the realm of historic artifact -- it is based on an object still in use by its owner. This process of creation culminates in homage to the original object. Simultaneously, the sculpture itself becomes an original, purporting to be what it is modeled after and contesting the authenticity of its source. The title of this work suggests Scibona’s fame; it imbues his typewriter with value and affects the perceived value of the sculpture modeled after it. By situating my work in the gaps between curator and object and between object and viewer, I investigate the role the museum plays in the interpretation of these objects and where my work stands in relationship to them.

Visit my website at meghangordonstudio.com/