Join Sandra Kroupa, Book Arts and Rare Books Curator, Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries.
This presentation will focus on how artists, writers, and researchers are inspired by direct connection with the historical object. When Ann Hamilton came to Special Collections to do research for
the common S E N S E, she threw a wide net including many topics and forms. But as with all great artists, she made herself open to serendipity. This willingness to be receptive to concepts as yet unknown is at the core of creativity.
Whether a published book or a manuscript poem, texts have historically required a physical and touchable form. What impact do these forms have on our understanding of language and images? What do these materials tell us about society, culture, populations, values, and ambition? Explore some of the many resources in Special Collections from the 15th century to the present. This is an opportunity to “converse” with the object, focusing on what we can learn about history, our place in it, and the creative potential in these conversations.
This event will feature materials similar to those selected by Ann Hamilton for
the common S E N S E.
Object Narratives is a multi-part series that introduces visitors to the historical and cultural contexts of objects included in
Ann Hamilton: the common S E N S E. Hear from different presenters at each session and explore the expanded narratives around the objects that have informed Hamilton’s exhibition from the collections of the Henry, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, and the University of Washington Libraries Special Collections.
