Conversation Piece

2023
Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art
Davis, CA

This interactive sculpture (edition of 6) responds to visitor reflections on the exhibition:
Mike Henderson: Before the Fire, 1965 -1985
January 30 - July 15, 2023

It consists of a light box, 2 large glass petri dishes, and 280 mylar panes of text was designed with the essence of a research university in mind, in which knowledge is expanded through the examination of things and the discoveries such examination fosters. The mylar panes nestled in the glass petri dishes capture visitor reflections on the exhibition, and function as hybrid scientific and humanistic cultures for one to study.

The Cosmic Strut Room provided a safe place for visitors to reflect on their responses to the exhibition, complete with a Blues playlist, and the opportunity to draw and write at a journaling bar. Three journals were replenished weekly with blank sheets of paper, and included three simple prompts:

What do you feel in your heart, in your soul, in your gut? What did you see? What drew you in? What pushed you away? What do you need to see more of, less of? What will you do with what you experienced?

Designed and fabricated by Robin Hill.
Special thanks to Rachel Teagle, Randy Roberts, Monica Francis, Audriana Escobedo, Alice Herbert, Glenda Drew, and Connor Phillips.