2024
Abo
Role: Curator
Overview
Abo is a curated installation. It contains a carousel projection of photos alongside sculptures made by her grandfather Darwin "Abo" Olsen. This piece serves as a celebration of his influence on Sam’s upbringing, as well as her familial dynamic that she sees reflected in these archival pictures. Journey through time with Abo as he serves in the Korean War, makes his love everlasting, and starts a family. His wooden sculptures accompany this slideshow, showcasing the presence of art during Abo’s life which has influenced Sam's own journey as an artist. Each picture and each sculpture has a story and impact for the Olsen Family and yet it is you, the audience, that gets to create your own relationship with the memory of Abo.
Approach
After cleaning out the garage I realized just how much of my grandfather's things we had. It was a dream to create an art installation of some of this to reignite the memory of him as well as the memories of my childhood. My family lived with my grandfather for 7 years until he passed away, and that time was crucial for who I am now. Though tumultuous, I was also very young so being able to explore what my relationship would be like if I were to know Abo now, by looking through photos and handling his sculptures, it was a joy to curate this installation in his honor. It was a part of UCSD's EnRoute exhibition which was all about works relating to family backgrounds and cultural history.
© Framer Inc. 2023
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