The Treasures: Collections from the Vaults

A Site specific installation at Free Oakland Up

For my Artist in Residence Project at Free Oakland Up, I used mainly items found at the free store, with a few odd used/found objects to create a large-scale installation resembling architectural models, theater sets, altars and dioramas. The work evokes Pleasure Gardens, otherworlds, and small museum collection displays. My interest and experience with curating museum collections and holdings has led to a playful manner with which I displayed objects found at FoU. Figurines, objects passing as bases and plinths, those resembling architectural forms all become part of these groupings, along with my collection of faux greenery and model materials. I use scale to make us uneasy, unsure whether we are giants, nostalgically looking at miniatures, or whether the miniature is in fact a monument.

Free Oakland Up is an alternative retail space focused on the economy, the environment and building community by offering FREE art and everyday items, organized by artist Jocelyn Meggait.