For the most part, we use components for
multi-part artworks. Naturally, though, there is at least one exception.
We have a multi-part work by Nan Goldin
that has 129 individual photographs. Each of the photographs is
separately titled, with separate condition notes, dimensions, etc.
However, none of the individual works should be shown alone, but only collectively
as a group.
We opted to make each of the individual
works a separate object, but to mark them as virtual objects. Only the
record for the 129 works is marked as a non-virtual object. Each of the
virtual objects is linked to the main record in a child relationship.
My reasoning was that it was of more
importance that we have a one-to-one relationship of countable objects in the
collection with non-virtual accessioned objects in the collection.
Is that sort of what you mean?
David
Registrar for Collections
telephone: 713-639-7824
fax: 713-639-7780
From:
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008
3:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Component vs. Group
Object
Dear
TMS List,
Please
discuss the pros and cons of components vs. group objects for multi-part
artworks (e.g., an installation piece that is comprised of 6 artworks).
Jeri
Jeri
L. Moxley
Manager
of Collection and
o:
(212) 423-3509
c:
(646) 912-3365
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