The archaeology of rubbish in pictures – a new exhibition at Bridport Arts Centre, reveals the archaeology of everyday life through telling images of colourful rubbish.
"Many archaeological finds are displayed on shelves in museums divorced from their original context," says Bridport-based photographer Carlos Guarita.
‘What happens when photographs of contemporary rubbish from different locations are aesthetically displayed next to one another like museum artefacts, with provenance?
‘How does this change the impact the images have on each other, and affect their meaning as evidence of human values and behaviour?’
Guarita’s series of 25 photographic triptychs, made over the last six years in five countries, reveals some strange coincidences. The same Portuguese drinks can, photographed crushed underfoot in a street in the Algarve, is also pictured discarded in Somerset, now home to many Portuguese expatriate workers.
What kind of celebration led to half a joke breast being left in a West Country gutter and what does this tell us about the position of women in today’s society?
‘What conclusions, if any, would be drawn from such evidence in fifty or a hundred years’ time? What if someone had taken similar pictures of litter or marks on the streets of Victorian England?’ asks Guarita.
‘When photographed, is today’s rubbish any less use as an archaeological record of our culture than evidence that consists of more valued and durable materials?’
Carlos Guarita has in the past worked and travelled as a photojournalist for magazines and newspapers such as The Independent, The Observer, Time, Der Spiegel and The Guardian. In 1993 he won a World Press Photo Award. He has also developed a personal body of work, including a long term project on Bronze Age Crete.
Random Archaeologies is at the Bridport Arts Centre foyer from Tuesday October 20 to Saturday October 31. Entry is free.