Scrap Irony: An Exhibit Review Essay

RECYCLED, RE–SEEN shows the difficulties of incorporating irony into museum exhibits. Using objects made from materials that museum visitors can identify as “trash”—old tires, cans, pop‐tops, and flip–flops—the exhibit presents them as collectable art. These objects are not, however, dada‐like commentaries on contemporary aesthetics. They are the products of “making do” by people who have only the most limited economic resources. This essay questions whether the irony perceived by the exhibit creators—art from trash— can enable visitors to establish meaningful connections with the objects' makers. [Museum studies, vernacular art, found art, irony]