Assemblage Workshop: Found Objects, Memories and History
Led by Siranat Thamtrachai, Calgary Institute for the Humanities Fellow at Esker.
Saturday 10 August, 3-5:30 PM
All ages 16+, free
This workshop invites participants to learn about the concept of assemblage, and explore how everyday objects can be transformed through repurposing – creating new 3-dimensional works of art.
Participants will explore the connection between consumerism and our relationship with unwanted objects, and how creativity can revive leftover items into art through the process of assemblage. They will learn how to collect and combine these found objects into new structures and will create their own unique pieces, inspired by personal histories and memories. Participants are invited to bring family photos or other personal treasures to incorporate into their creations.
This workshop will include a discussion around the theme of decolonizing throwaway culture prevalent in Western societies. By repurposing discarded items, participants actively engage in environmental care and sustainability, questioning the norms of consumerism and waste while contrasting them with traditional practices from pre-industrialization and pre-colonization eras. This approach aims to not only foster creativity but also promote a deeper connection to the environment, encouraging a more mindful and respectful relationship with the resources we use. Through this process, attendees can reflect on the environmental impact of their actions and contribute to a more sustainable future.
We also invite workshop participants to reflect on our current exhibition Black Drones in the Hive by Deanna Bowen, which draws from personal collections, histories, and memories.
We are excited to introduce Siranat Thamtrachai (Nat) who is a PhD student at the University of Calgary, specializing in Philosophy with a research focus on the Philosophy of Art and Aesthetics. Siranat has joined us at Esker Foundation since May to August 2024 as the Calgary Institute for the Humanities Fellow at Esker, where she is gaining valuable experience in community engagement, and learning the intricacies of working in an art space. We thank Siranat for her work!