What object would you like archaeologists 1000 years from now to remember our present day culture by? When we launched our first lab experiment in India three months ago, we invited people, visiting the 'India and the World: A History in Nine Stories,' exhibition at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) museum in Mumbai to respond to this question and by doing so their responses contributed to the design of a growing collection of vases, representing the objects that matter the most to people today. We engaged thousands of people, sharing their object in diverse voices - be it Hindi, Marathi or English.
The Future Relics interactive installation that is part of the 'India and the World exhibition' at CSMVS museum, Mumbai
Ranging from daily-use objects to uncommon tidings, the ten most popular keywords now 3D printed on ceramic vases, to be preserved as Future Relics are Mobile, Car, Computer, Books, Can, Utensils, Spectacles, Plastic, Gold, and Soil, and personify the concept of shared artefacts. They have been digitally designed, 3D printed using customized technology by artist Ronald Rael, and glazed by one of India's leading master craftsman of ceramics and Padma Shri awardee Shri Brahmdeo Ram Pandit.
Future Relics 3D printing workshop conducted at CSMVS museum, Mumbai
Finished vases that truly blend ancient craft and modern technology to build relics for the future
When we developed the Future Relics project in partnership with CSMVS, we wanted users to participate in an interactive and shared journey that connects past with present, whilst looking to the future. For centuries pots have helped us uncover the lost stories of cities and civilisations! Future Relics highlights this heritage, responding directly to India and the World's exploration of pots as storytelling objects to create a series of artefacts for future generations that reveal insight into our lives today. This unique collaboration of art and technology has drawn upon both technological innovation and a highest form of traditional craftsmanship.
As we gift the final artworks to the CSMVS museum in Mumbai today, it marks a special collaboration and we hope this series of Future Relics will acts as a time capsule for future generations to uncover.
Unveil of physical artefacts 'Future Relics' with Mr. Mukherjee (Director of CSMVS), BR Pandit (Master Ceramicist), Simon Rein (Program Manager, Google Arts & Culture)
By Freya Murray, Program Manager and Creative Lead, Google Arts & Culture Lab
