Modern Archeology

In 2001 Mark Dion, photographer Bob Braine, and nearly 90 volunteers did an archeological dig of New England that spanned fields, shorelines, and vacant lots. After being collected the objects were cleaned, categorized, and put on display in beautifully crafted curio cabinets or "Wunderkammers". I enjoy the questions that Dion brings up about our fascination to collect and archive, because we all partake in our own little ways.

In 1999 Mark Dion also organized the Thames Dig in which a variety of artifacts were recovered from the Thames River. The blissfully obsessive treasure hunting that I encounter on the coast of Maine, for yellow shells and ceramic pieces, reminds me of how I would love to go "mudlarking" on the shores of the Thames some day.

Dion's work spans a variety of formats, like the sweet landfill diorama posted below, so hop on this link to see more.

Mark Dion "Landfill" 1999-2000