Flotsam and Jetsam: A Compulsion for Collecting

Montreal artist Loren Williams offers up a collection of found objects in a photo-based exhibition titled Flotsam and Jetsam: A Compulsion for Collecting. Installed in three locations within the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, the exhibition reflects upon the evocative and mysterious side of found objects. Distanced from their moment of origin and usual function, the gathered fragments and photographs form an eclectic archive.

Found within the museum's exhibit galleries, the Flotsam and Jetsam artworks present visitors with some unexpected and mysterious discoveries.

"When Ms. Williams first approached us about the concept, we were intrigued," said curator Dan Conlin. "In the context of a museum, 'collecting' implies something more formal or structured, but we all collect in different ways and this exhibit explores different aspects of that desire."

It was in recent years during her time at Concordia University that Ms. Williams became interested in found objects, collections and archives. "Inevitably they have found their way into my work," she said.

Her other recent projects include Cabinet de curiosities, a photographic series of found objects, insects and specimens exhibited at the Montreal Mois de la Photo, From the Garden of Poisonous Plants, also exhibited in Montreal, and Whirling Dervishes, a travelling mail-art exhibition.

Loren Williams will be on hand at the Flotsam and Jetsam opening at 7:30 p.m. at the Maritime Museum on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The exhibition runs to Nov. 15.

Admission to the opening evening is free. From Sept. 16 to Oct. 15, regular museum admission will apply. After Oct. 16, admission is free.