Adapted orphans and protected histories : time based media and the moving image archive

Clements, JM

Abstract

Through the examination of archived moving images, this practice-based research project explores processes and methodologies adopted by visual artists who use moving image archives as an integral component for the creation of new artworks. Underlying these methods of production are issues of originality, authorship and ownership. The research seeks to examine the role of archives as potential catalysts for the creation of new work and the role artists can play in animating collections thereby generating new meanings for archival materials.

Central to the research is the study of traditional moving image archives, taxonomies, classifications and content alongside the more recent emergence of online digital archives. The creative outputs (artworks) comprise an exploration of how this virtual environment has the potential for artists to re-appropriate archival materials and how films housed in traditional moving image archives can respond to the challenge set by these new platforms. New collaborations between the artist-researcher and nine regional film archives test creative methodologies for creating artworks by re-presenting archival collections through a multi-disciplinary approach.

The final artworks have been produced as a direct response to the contrast in accessibility of online works, freely available under the Creative Commons license, and the legal constraints placed on publicly funded archives (and archivists) who are nonetheless dedicated to making archives available to a wider audience and who have had a significant input into this research.

Citation

Clements, J. Adapted orphans and protected histories : time based media and the moving image archive. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Mar 26, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 26, 2015