For the final edition of Confluence • 20+, Julie & Jesse created an interactive installation. They transformed part of the display into a live ceramic studio in which they produced a unique edition of their Fragment(s) project, casting discarded moulds brought directly from the factories of Jingdezhen, China.
Every Friday and Saturday over the duration of the show, visitors had the opportunity to see Julie & Jesse practice their skill. Members of the public were able to engage with the duo to explore the making process, and gain an understanding of the concept behind the work all in an attempt to build connections through time and space.
To close the loop of manufacturing process and to perpetuate the story of the work, visitors also had the opportunity to acquire one of the numbered pieces in exchange of a donation to the Chicago Design Museum.
In order to make the project work, Julie & Jesse collaborated with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where they were invited as Artists in Residence. They spent one month making their work partly at the School and partly at the exhibition site allowing for exchanges both with the students and the visitors of the show.
Special thanks to Kitty Ross, Bowie Croisant, Ann Marie Martens and Gay-Young Cho
