The Life of the Object

The Mid-America American Studies Association Conference was hosted by the Material Culture Focus Group at the UW-Madison this past weekend.  As a member of the focus group and attendee I can share a few insights with you.

Our keynote speaker Hanna Rose Shell educated us on the Haitian pepe (pe-pay) industry. Used clothing is shipped in bales from 1st world countries to the island nation.

Pepe Photo Courtesy Google Images

It is bought, sold and refashioned into clothing more suitable for and in the tastes of the Haitian people. Pepe makers work the garments on foot operated sewing machines. While they are accused of putting traditional tailors out of business, it is more likely that the tailors will adapt and start making pepe as well. The concept was started during John F. Kennedy's term in office and picked up the nick name of Kennedy, as well as Goodwill and Reagan. The cream of the crop is aptly called Hollywood Pepe!

Pepe Photo Courtesy Google Images

I also caught the lecture of the UW"s own Beverly Gordon's figural totems that she creates with natural detritus. For those unfamiliar with the word, detritus refers to organic debris formed by the decomposition of plants or animals. So as a fish rots, its skull would become a material for Gordon to compose with. Other materials she employs are skeletal leaves, the tails of crabs, deer hooves, bones, shells, fabric plus many other plant and animal parts. Gordon’s work is often sculptural. One type is called “Tierra”; objects she fashions with discernable heads and bodies. 

Here are two photos of a tierra composed of a deer leg as the main body part and wrapped in fabric described by Gordon as Deerhead with Cape Back.

Photo courtesy of Beverly Gordon

Photo courtesy of Beverly Gordon

 
Here is another composed of animal bones, a gourd and fabric titled Gallheadwhite.

 

Photo courtesy of Beverly Gordon

I don't know that I have ever seen more creative objects 

composed of such surprising materials! 

Mark Nelson also working at the host University, explored the social ramifications of the popular online game of Farmville. 

Image courtesy Google Images

He noted that this type of "gamification" plays on both the inquisitive nature of humans as well as our need to buy in excess. He called it the gateway drug for those who enjoy the adrenaline of buying. But Nelson was quick to point out that people also enjoy the social connection made through the online community. He noted items are bought and often given away to friends; coining the phrase " virtual reciprocal gifting loop". Here, Nelson is pictured with the session moderator and panel members as we enjoyed an open discussion after the presentation.

L-R Lauren Kroiz at podium, Mark Nelson, Benjamin Wiggins, Rebecca Keyel, Photo by the Author

The conference reminded me collaboration occurs anytime people get together and chat-

where everybody's ideas can have a seat at the table.  

More on this subject tomorrow!

Theresa

Yummy Furniture and Design

theresamhs@sbcglobal.net

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Speaker Credentials:

Beverly Gordon, UW-Madison Professor, Chair of Design Studies Graduate Committee

Rebecca Keyel, UW-Madison, MS Candidate

Lauren Kroiz, UW-Madison Asst. Professor Art History

Mark Nelson, UW-Madison Asst Professor Design Studies
Hanna Rose Shell, Asst Professor MIT Program in Science, Technology and Society, Junior Fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows.

Benjamin Wiggins, University of Minnesota