The Role of Documentation in the Open Studios

September 22nd, 2010 at 09:20am evetaylor

Once again the open artist studio acts as dynamic space on the Sixth floor of MAD. Light from the photographer’s setup floods the room, while Ruth Marshall, one of the current open studio artists, speaks about her work. Visitors shuffle in and out, listening and adding to the dialogue, as the clicks of the photographer’s camera mark the space.

Ruth works to “knit endangered animals” based on actual skinsdisplayed in the Natural History Museum. She diligently researches their patterns and color, which she later strives to duplicate using yarn. Ruth plays with the issues of conservation, our connection to “animals” while being mammals ourselves, and what our role in this situation might be.

 With pattern, color, and knitting being her means to create, what does it mean to Ruth to have her work documented through photography? Ruth and her photographer, Maja Kihlstedt, have worked together for over five years. Maja understands Ruth’s intent and works to reveal these motives through her camera lens. Maja recognizes that light plays a major role in Ruth’s pieces because it allows the texture of her “furs” to be accentuated. What else might the role of photography mean in a piece about conservation and wildlife? What does it suggest to accentuate the texture of Ruth Marshall’s work rather than other aspects of her pieces?

Entry Filed under: in the studio