The Echoes: Re-imagining futures exhibition was a shared partnership between the Curtin Library Makerspace, John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library (JCPML) and second-year photography and illustration students at Curtin University. This collaboration is the third iteration of students enrolled in the Image Design Culture unit working with the Library. The concept of ‘echoes’ explores themes of recontextualizing and reimagining the archives to portray new takes on old ideas, providing unique views and questioning of conventional interpretations.
At the start of semester, our student artists selected a special collections archive from JCPML as a source of inspiration for their work. This vast array of archives included items belonging to John Curtin, such as his briefcase and razors; a Sorry Book signed at Curtin University in 1998; and some older media formats such as slides from Jon Sanders’ triple circumnavigation of the world.
Once their archival item was selected, students worked on their creative projects in the Library’s Makerspace. Lecturer Kirsten Hudson ran the unit’s classes out of the Library’s Makerspace for the entire semester, with support from the Library Makerspace team. The students actively sought feedback from staff and their peers and were open to creative discussion and critique throughout the process. Students not only engaged with the Library’s Special Collections team, but also had the opportunity to hear from a panel of archivists, develop a communications strategy, and discuss exhibition requirements.
Once opened, the exhibition (located at the main entrance on level 3 of the TL Robertson Library) was incredibly popular, with many visitors enjoying interacting with the unique bodies of work. From signing an “Action Book” to answering questions on the “Sorry Not Sorry” board – these pieces were both responses to the Sorry Book archive. Pictured here is student Mary Joy Ante’s reimagining of Lesley Fitzpatrick’s The Pear Tree Quilt. Threading through life explores the concept of a family tree and telling personal stories through quilts.
The Makerspace continues to demonstrate the importance of collaboration between faculty and Library staff. By fostering a space dedicated to hands-on learning, this partnership not only enhances the student experience but also cultivates a community of shared knowledge and creativity.
Written by Marie Clarke, Coordinator, Library Makerspace
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