Temporal Projects

ars longa, vita brevis

Introduction

In the contemporary epoch, where the rapidity of life and the immediacy of gratification have become the norm, the essence of long-term artistic practices seems to be fading into the annals of history. The once-celebrated tradition of artists dedicating vast swathes of their lives to perfecting a singular masterpiece is now overshadowed by the relentless demand for quick, consumable outputs. The artistic landscape has been transformed, with the cyclical nature of fashion permeating every facet of creative expression. This relentless wheel of production demands constant innovation, leaving little room for prolonged contemplation or refinement. The luxury of time, once an artist's greatest ally, now feels like a distant memory. The days when artists like Pollock would retreat to secluded spaces, immersing themselves in their craft until they felt their work was complete, seem almost mythical in today's context. Historically, artists were often afforded the luxury of time by patrons who valued the process as much as the product. Whether it was the courts of yore, affluent families, or individual benefactors, artists often had the backing to pursue their visions without the pressures of modern-day deadlines. These patrons understood that true artistry required patience, a virtue that seems to be dwindling in today's digital age.

Today, the metrics of success have shifted. The emphasis is on tangible outcomes, quantifiable achievements, and rapid turnarounds. The art world, like many other sectors, is ensnared in a race against time. The meticulousness of artists like Thorvaldsen or Cezanne, who could spend years, even decades, on a single piece, is a stark contrast to the present-day scenario where art is often expected to fit into neat, predefined schedules. The collaborative spirit, too, has seen a transformation. The camaraderie and collective efforts that birthed masterpieces in the studios of legends like Rembrandt or Titian are rare sights today. The grand collaborations that gave us treasures like the Shahnameh or Bayeaux illustrations are poignant reminders of a time when art was a collective endeavour, transcending individual glory. It's crucial to ponder why our society, which claims to value art and culture, has drifted away from celebrating the temporal nature of artistic creation. While the reasons are manifold and intricate, the repercussions are clear. We are gradually losing touch with the profound depths and nuances that come with time-intensive artistic processes. The richness of experiences, the layers of emotions, and the sheer brilliance that emerges from prolonged engagement with one's craft is unparalleled.

In essence, while the world races ahead, there's an urgent need to pause and reflect on what we might be leaving behind. Embracing temporality in art isn't just about nostalgia; it's about recognising and valuing the profound depths that come with time, patience, and unwavering dedication.

Temporal Projects

At the heart of Future Archaeologies lies a profound commitment to initiating and nurturing open-ended art projects. This endeavour will not only revive a nearly forgotten mode of artistic expression but also guarantee our Talents an unbroken stream of hands-on experience. By immersing themselves in these projects, they engage dynamically with fellow cultural producers, fostering a symbiotic relationship that enriches both the artist and the art.

The gradual eclipse of long-term temporal projects isn't the result of a single entity's actions but a collective drift. While it's easy to lament this loss, the onus is on us, as a community, to reverse this trend. The contemporary art landscape, with its rapid cycles and fleeting engagements, doesn't naturally support decade-spanning projects. To reintroduce such temporal engagements, we need more than just intent. We require a robust framework that can sustain artists' interest over extended periods, adapting to the myriad life events and circumstances they navigate. Artistic expression shouldn't be a binary choice between short-term and long-term projects; it should be a harmonious blend of both.

The beauty of temporal projects lies in their distinctiveness. By emphasising the element of time, we unlock (or perhaps, rekindle) a myriad of artistic engagements. Over time, revisiting the same artistic space can lead to the evolution of a unique, process-driven body of work. The environment becomes more than just a backdrop; it becomes an integral part of the artistic narrative. As artists repeatedly engage with the same setting, their work begins to reflect the subtle changes and nuances of that environment. Collaboration in such projects is not just about working together; it's about evolving together. As artists mature and their perspectives shift, their collective reflections become richer and more layered. The continuous engagement with a specific site ensures that the art produced is intrinsically linked to its place of origin, capturing its gradual transformation. The ultimate aspiration of these experimental forays into temporal artistry is to spark further exploration, uncovering innovative strategies and forging partnerships that champion the cause of long-term art projects.

Temporal projects may manifest as standalone endeavours or amalgamations of multiple self-contained projects. Each project is designed to be self-sustaining, with Future Archaeologies steering and supervising them, irrespective of their eventual applications or endpoints. To facilitate this, every Temporal Project will be conceived to primarily be manned by Future Archaeologies Talents. This autonomy eliminates the necessity for external institutional or commercial interactions, enhancing the appeal of the projects to such entities and expanding the prospects for hosting or exhibition partnerships. The projects can seamlessly integrate into these frameworks without imposing additional financial burdens. It will also allow for a Project to exit from partnerships or enter new ones. The independent management of the projects is crucial for ensuring their longevity, success, and adherence to long-term objectives. The strategy is also in service to the aim of direct, hands-on experience for our Talents, laying down a rich tapestry of history and methodologies that encompass not just artists, but the entire spectrum of the creative domain.

The Temporal Projects are not just artistic endeavours; they are also designed to be potential revenue streams, ensuring the long-term self-sustainability of each project. The primary revenue model is a 10% profit share from derivative profits originating from these projects. Such arrangements will be meticulously negotiated withpartners (such as theatres, galleries, museums and more) and artists (regardless of their field). Beyond this, showcasing the productions or entering into collaborative projects can also be monetised through the provision of resources, such as Bureau locations or essential materials. To gauge the viability of a Project based on a partnership with a host, such as a theatre, institution or company, an inaugural and initial cycle of 12 years is proposed between the host and Future Archaeologies. This partnership will be subject to reassessment every four years, with the aspiration of it enduring perpetually. The annual residency will witness the return of the same cohort of artists, collaborating on a series of projects as delineated further below. Initiating these projects requires Future Archaeologies to allocate initial funds for artists' participation and the Bureaus will ideally seek projects located proximate to their own locations, minimising staff travel commitments. If a project location is remote or challenging to access, the partner-host is expected to shoulder the responsibility of providing accommodation and other essentials, aligned with their pre-existing facilities. The overarching goal is to ensure that each project not only becomes self-sustaining but also turns profitable. A path to do so will be achieved by Future Arhcaeologies retaining a share from the sales of artworks and exhibitions.

Artist selection and engagement 

For every artistic endeavour undertaken by Future Archaeologies, the process of artist selection is both meticulous and collaborative. Working hand-in-hand with potential hosts, Future Archaeologies will craft a carefully curated preliminary roster of artists, each chosen for their unique artistic voice and potential contribution to the project's vision. While the prerogative of the final selection lies with the hosts, they are not alone in this pivotal decision. The advisory boards of Future Archaeologies, with their wealth of experience and deep understanding of the art landscape, provide invaluable counsel. They weigh in on long-term strategic alignments, pinpoint the most opportune moments for project launches, and help sculpt the perfect artist ensemble that resonates with the project's ethos.

Given the enduring nature of these projects, the aspect of succession cannot be overlooked. It's not just about ensuring a seamless transition between artists but also about maintaining the integrity and vision of the project. Every stakeholder, from collaborators to patrons, plays a role in this intricate tapestry, and their continued engagement is vital. The philosophy of artist selection finds its roots in the practices of renowned Italian artist Fabio Mauri. Mauri's performances were characterised by a unique ethos: a singular performer was designated for each of his acts, replaced only under circumstances of death or severe physical constraints. Such a practice, while seemingly rigid, cultivated an unparalleled depth of connection and understanding. The performer, through repeated engagements, became intrinsically linked with the artistic engagement, offering audiences an experience steeped in intimacy and nuance. Adopting a similar strategy, Future Archaeologies seeks to explore the rich dynamics that emerge when artists evolve within their roles over time.

Drawing inspiration from the ethos of Mauri, a designated individual—be it a performer or a painter - will beintricately tied to a specific act or artwork. By this means Future Archaeologies looks to establish a profound exploration into the relationship between the artist, their craft, and the audience or observer. Over time, the artist becomes deeply intertwined with their designated work. This continuous engagement allows them to delve into the nuances of their craft, be it a performance or a painting, refining and evolving it with each iteration. The artwork, in turn, becomes an extension of the artist, creating a symbiotic relationship where both artist and art evolve in tandem. For the audience or observer, witnessing the same artist repeatedly offers a unique journey. They observe the subtle changes, the evolution of the craft, and the deepening connection between the artist and their work. This continuity fosters a richer, more immersive experience, allowing the audience to form a deeper bond with both the artwork and its creator.

Within a collective or group setting, having designated artists for specific works or acts leads to a heightened sense of unity and purpose. Each artist becomes an expert in their designated role, leading to a harmonious interplay of strengths. Over time, this can foster mutual respect and understanding, as each artist recognises the unique contributions of their peers. However, repetition, while leading to mastery, can also present challenges. The risk of monotony or feeling confined to a specific role can impact an artist's motivation and creativity. Yet, this very challenge can also be a catalyst for innovation, pushing artists to find new interpretations and expressions within the confines of their designated work. As individual artists deepen their connection with their designated works, the collective identity of the group or initiative also evolves. The group becomes known for its unique approach, where each work is a reflection of an artist's long-term engagement and evolution. This sets the group apart in the art world, offering a distinctive identity rooted in continuity and depth.

The question of succession becomes paramount in such an approach. The departure of an artist, whether planned or unforeseen, can have significant implications. Introducing a new artist to an established work requires careful consideration, ensuring that the essence of the work is preserved while allowing room for fresh interpretations. In essence, adopting a Mauri-inspired philosophy challenges conventional norms of artistic engagement, pushing both artists and audiences to rethink the boundaries of art, continuity, and evolution. It offers unparalleled opportunities for deep artistic exploration, fostering connections that transcend the transient nature of conventional artistic endeavours.

However, such long-term commitments are not without their challenges. The path of art is often unpredictable, with both artists and their works subject to the ebbs and flows of public perception and personal evolution. While Future Archaeologies is unwavering in its commitment to ethical practices, it also recognises the importance of standing by its artists, regardless of external opinions or their fluctuating positions within the art community. In the event of an artist's early departure, the onus of selecting a worthy successor is shared between the host and Future Archaeologies, ensuring the project's vision remains undiluted.

Sustainability, both in terms of environmental impact and representation, is at the forefront of these projects. It's essential to collaborate with artists whose logistical requirements align with the project's sustainability goals. At the same time, the artist ensemble must be a reflection of the diverse tapestry of global cultures, ensuring that the projects resonate with a local community as well as a broad audience. Art, in its essence, is timeless. Through Temporal Projects, Future Archaeologies aspires to showcase this eternal nature, championing artists and their visions beyond the confines of transient trends. In doing so, it hopes to pave the way for groundbreaking artistic explorations and redefine the paradigms of artistic collaboration.