Retroarchaeology

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Retroarchaeology is a subset of the sensationalist movement in art. Its first known examples date back as far as 1990, when artist Terence P Ward entered the works The Effect of Reagonomics and Titled to a juried student art show at the State University of New York at Potsdam.

Contents 1 Basic Rules 1.1 Materials 1.2 Construction 2 Philosophy

[edit] Basic Rules

[edit] Materials

Retroarchaelogical pieces vary greatly in specifics, but are generally created on a rigid or semi-rigid base with a primary material that is used in liquid form. 'Bases' have included typing paper, cardboard, styrofoam, and aluminum foil. 'Primary materials' used have included melted candle wax, Elmer's glue, rubber cement, and solder. Into the primary material various objects may be included as 'intrusions.'

[edit] Construction

The basic tenet of retroarchaeology is a three-dimensional piece of art that is, to some extent, obscured. The artist builds layer by layer, adding objects that are eventually covered up, in whole or in part. The effect is the opposite of an archaeology dig, in which the objects are revealed.

[edit] Philosophy

The observer of a completed retroarchaeological work cannot see more than the surface. The artist strives to provide hints of what lies within the piece, by allowing portions to remain uncovered. In this way a dialogue is opened between artist and observer, as the latter attempts to piece together the intent of the former using only the clues provided.