Archiving as Artistic Practice
This paper was presented at the ARA2022 Conference (online) on 15/09/2022 at 15h00 (SAST). The session was chaired by Prof. Christo Doherty (WITS University).
The paper looks at the development of establishing an online showcase repository for the ReTAGS’ (Reimagining Tragedy from Africa and the Global South) practice-as-research artistic productions, Antigone (not quite/quiet) and iKrele leChiza, and the methodology behind documenting and digitally archiving their processes.
Fundamentally guided by Michel-Rolph Trouillot’s (1995) rationale on history-making, the methodology entailed merging the artistic knowledge produced on the rehearsal floor with the digital humanities practices of ensuring that the data produced is in accordance with the F.A.I.R (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) principles. The digital datasets that have been captured to date are part of an ever-expanding, living archive, with the flexibility of the digital space allowing for the potential to decentre the notion of the archivist as a singular entity and distribute it amongst a community of digital citizens. The aim of producing and expanding on such a rich source of comprehensive datasets is the hope for broadening the possibility for critical engagement and interrogation across the Humanities, to further academic research. Additionally, ReTAGS aims to set precedent for expansive possibilities of using performance practice-based research in producing and publishing academically rigorous data.
This paper reflects on my involvement as the digital archivist on the ReTAGS research and my choices made and implemented on the online showcase repository. Considering the strengths and challenges of these archival choices; exploring the possibilities and inviting discussion around archiving for artistic purposes as well as understanding the archive as its own means of artistic engagement.
Please note: ARA2022 Conference provided the source of the recording. However, Jayne Batzofin has edited this recording to remove the feedback section with conference participants post the paper presentation.
