Munsell Richter

In 2019, I was invited to Science Gallery- Bengaluru to make a piece I titled Munsell Richter. Albert Munsell developed a color system in early 20th century that the United States Department of Agriculture appropriated for early categorization of soils. Gerhart Richter is a mid 20th century color theory artist.

Following the dimensions of blocks in panel of Richters “ten large color panels”, I had 10 plexiglass frames fabricated, that fit in 2 suitcases so I can transport it for re-use it in 10 cities.

To note, Bengaluru is called ‘the city of lakes’ and so I endeavored to collect mud from 10 different lakes (from community centers, coconut farms, borewells, and like in NYC - bodies of water that are heavily contaminated). This was the first time I collected mud in a country I do not call my own (Note: you can’t just go out with a shovel and a bucket!).

The sequence is still in India and I hope to return in 2023 to de-install so I can take it Puerto Rico for 2024.

Mud collection for this project is indebted to the ever cheerful Lakshmi Jagadish (and Ganesh), our drivers who thought it was crazy I wanted to collect mud, Gayatri, Shannon, & Shonali, and the Science Gallery Team. Thank you.

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