On the Museum Ruins (Working Title) - Furen Dai
Furen Dai ( United States )
During her residency at ZK/U Berlin, Furen Dai will continue her research on the origins of encyclopedic museums, using ruins as a blueprint to envision the future forms of museum institutions. Her study encompasses the intricacies of museum dynamics, including interior design, exhibition display methods and logic, protocol rituals, and the impact of discursive frameworks on the reception of artworks.
Dai will initiate a film study, focusing on often-overlooked 'invisible elements' within museums, such as lighting, pedestals, and plinths. She reflects on how cultural connections transcend temporal and spatial dimensions while analyzing various exhibition methodologies. Her film project serves as an experimental platform, envisioning alternative futures for museums, particularly encyclopedic ones, and investigating the embedded aesthetics within both museums and art history. This sheds light on and critically examines the inherent value judgments associated with the museum's role as an authoritative guarantor of value, quality and authenticity in the realm of art.
Funded through a traveling Fellowship of the School of Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University.
Since 1899, the School of the Museum of Fine Arts has awarded Traveling Fellowships (formerly called Traveling Scholarships) to select alumni. As one of the largest endowed art school grant programs in the country, the Traveling Fellowship program provides funds for artists to further develop and inform their practice. Each year, SMFA at Tufts awards up to ten Traveling Fellowships to selected alumni. Fellows receive up to $10,000 to pursue travel and research related to their art.