For the final project for my 2024 RISD Wintersession analog photo class, I decided to photograph nine unique figurines that I purchased from Nostalgia, a collectibles and antique store in Providence. Each figurine was reasonably cheap, well-loved, and represented a broad range of production materials as well as areas where figurines are seen and the different forms they take.
I was interested in examining the different ways people interact with miniature representations of anthropomorphic bodies for play, display, or worship as well as the differences between sentimental and material worth that we assign to these objects before we give them away to be sold at a higher price.
The title “Eclectic Corpse” is a play on the popular children’s drawing game ‘exquisite corpse’ where several people blindly draw separate sections of a creature’s body from head to foot, and then unfold the sheet to reveal their Frankenstein-like creation. Similarly, I cut the photos of the figurines in half so that the reader can mix and max the different halves of the items, combining not only their physical characteristics but also what their stories. Such as a wind-up angel, a brass sailor with soft comb-able hair, or a Saint with strong, multi-jointed legs and a holster for his blaster.
On the adjacent side of the book are a selection of words that I wrote to describe the physical look of the object, but also a space to ponder about its provenance. Each page also features the price that I paid for the figurine to further highlight the objectification of sentimental items that is based more on the value of its materials and brand recognition than the personal value it brought to its owner. Text was dodged out of the photo paper using sheets of clear acetate paper with black text printed on top.
The backdrop of the photo shoot and final display is a hand crocheted afghan also bought at Nostalgia. The Minolta camera I used to shoot the photos came from the same store as well, so the whole piece is a self-sufficient thrifted photo series.
4”x6” spiral bound book made w/ resin coated photo paper and chipboard.
