JEFFREY ABT

My work in the past decade has focused on the visual culture of museums and the Wandering Gallery project, shown here, is an aspect of that investigation. It is based on a much less visible aspect of museums: the behind-the-scenes, never-ending cycle of unpacking and packing, installation and de-installation, and documentation and interpretation associated with changing exhibitions. Two of the earliest works are self-contained mini galleries designed to receive viewer comments, include their travel records and means of conveyance, sometimes revealing the wear and tear of their transportation. More recent pieces, bring these ideas down to a personal level, translating the structure and hardware of an airline-style, carry-on roller bag or a briefcase into portable pieces. Artworks designed to travel, incorporating in their creation the means of their preservation and display, makes visible the usually invisible dynamics of the temporary exhibition as an intimate encounter as well.