The Problem
The research scope for the project was quite dense since it tackles an ongoing and sensitive issue in the world of museums. Many museums across the world are starting to make Reparations and send back stolen items during colonial times. What was particularly astonishing to me and what ultimately made me want to pursue this topic was when I started to question the need to display human remains in museums, From complete skeletons to smaller parts like skulls or preserved organs, I did not seem to understand why these parts could not be replaced with other materials like plaster or other life-like replicas. The remains could not be touched directly so why even display them in the first place? There are real people and stories behind these remains, and they deserve to be laid to rest according to their culture.
Inspiration
Two projects in particular, with 'Death At Home' by Gabrielle Merite being the most influential, inspired the trajectory of this project. This data visualisation project visualises each victim who was a subject of domestic abuse in France. Rather than simply displaying these numbers on a chart, she wanted to humanify the data by talking about the stories of their lives and who they were when they were living.
The second project is a curation by Y.Z. Kami for The Met. He collected the portraits made by the Egyptians for the mummies. By having a face to associate the remains with, I was able to establish a personal connection with the audience. This was a crucial point in my research phase as it allowed me to understand the need for humanity to bring forward empathy from my audience, making them feel involved in the project.
“Always in front of a human face,
you have an emotional reaction.”
- Y.Z. Kami
The
Solution
The initial response to the problem for the project was to research human remains currently displayed in museums and challenge the organisations for the need to do this and the ethics behind it. It turns out that most museums do not have a comprehensive database of the humans they display in museums. This lack of data posed a significant challenge, as I did not have enough information about human remains currently displayed in museums to form data sets. However, this led me to resort to other ways I could convey the same message with the available information I could gather.
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In the end, the project evolved into a powerful advocacy tool, focusing on the human remains that have been returned to their respective homelands and cultures. I set out to collect information on their identity and place the faces of these people who were treated wrong.
Development
Version One
Second
Development
The idea of creating coloured pamphlets for each person was eventually discarded. There was very little space to work with, and the information was compromised. However, the project's goal to narrate the human stories behind the artefacts remains unchanged. The lack of space forced me to change the narrative, but not the essence of the project.
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A book format seemed more promising, as it allowed me the advantage of experimenting with the layout and conveying information in more engaging ways.
The patterns on the publications are inspired by natural formations. The design is meant to remind the audience that humans are always meant to return back to nature and the earth.
Publication
Structure
Front cover
Introduction
Remain + Museum where it was displayed + age of Remain
Individual's
hometown
Name of
Individual +
Year of Birth & Death + Age
Life story + Movement
of Remain
Individual's
hometown
Flap with name + Origin country + Series name
Conclusion
Paper stock, Paper colour and Letterpress explorations.
